How does workload impact nurse performance?

Excessive workload significantly impacts nurse performance in various detrimental ways. It can lead to burnout among nurses, which is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion stemming from prolonged and excessive stress. Burnout adversely affects job satisfaction, as nurses who feel overwhelmed may become disengaged from their work and experience decreased morale.

Moreover, when nurses are overloaded with tasks, their attention to detail can diminish, resulting in a higher likelihood of making errors in patient care. These errors can range from medication mistakes to oversight in monitoring vital signs, all of which can jeopardize patient safety and quality of care.

In conclusion, the relationship between workload and nurse performance is crucial, with excessive demands leading to adverse effects not only on individual nurses but also on the overall quality of healthcare provided.