The obstacles to nurses being present with patients

AIM: The aim of the present research was to investigate the obstacles, which prevent nurses being present with patients. BACKGROUND: It is vital for nurses to be able to spend time with patients for an accurate assessment of patients' needs to take place and to allow patients to express their concerns. The factors, which prevent nurses spending time with patients, are still unclear. METHOD: Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews with thirty‐five participants, including the nurses and physicians from educational hospitals of Tehran. The analysis was performed through the conventional content analysis. To achieve accuracy and trustworthiness of the data, the Lincoln and Guba criteria were used. RESULT: The results of the study can be summarized as: “conflict between human considerations and bureaucratic structure,” “failure to meet basic needs,” “the personal and interpersonal aspects of caring” and “safety in caring context.” CONCLUSION: To ensure high‐quality care, it is important to understand more fully the factors that prevent nurses spending time with patients. Interventions are needed to allow nurses to spend more time with the patients. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Health service managers should consider that the intrinsic motivation of nurses is to care for patients. They can increase the presence of nurses at patients' bedside and improve care quality by creating an attractive working environment, appreciating nurses' values, paying attention to their opinions and establishing professional communication based on mutual respect.