ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Non-nursing tasks (NNTs) have become a prevalent issue among healthcare professionals, affecting nurses globally. This study delves into the experiences of Jordanian nurses regarding NNTs, aiming to uncover challenges and propose solutions within the Jordanian healthcare context. OBJECTIVE: Explore the impact of NNTs on Jordanian nurses' roles, workload, and satisfaction. Additionally, the study aims to identify various types of NNTs performed by nurses, understand their impact, and propose solutions to mitigate challenges associated with these tasks. METHODS: A qualitative-exploratory research design was employed for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Jordanian nurses using a purposeful sampling approach to ensure a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes and patterns related to NNTs, their challenges, and potential solutions. Ethical guidelines were strictly followed to maintain participant confidentiality and ensure the integrity of the data collected. RESULTS: Analysis of the interviews revealed four major themes: challenges of NNTs, types of NNTs, impact of NNTs, and proposed solutions. Nurses faced significant difficulties due to task ambiguity, role confusion, and increased workload from NNTs, which included administrative duties, clerical work, and tasks typically performed by other healthcare professionals. These NNTs negatively impacted nurses' effectiveness, productivity, and job satisfaction by diverting time and energy from primary nursing responsibilities, causing professional strain. To address these issues, participants suggested clearer job descriptions, stricter task assignment protocols, and systemic changes to tackle the root causes of NNTs. CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the pervasive challenges posed by NNTs among Jordanian nurses and emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to enhance nursing care quality and nurse well-being. By proposing actionable solutions tailored to the Jordanian context, this research contributes to the global discourse on NNTs and underscores the need for organizational support and advocacy to optimize nurses' roles and improve patient care outcomes.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the perceptions of Jordanian nurses regarding Non-Nursing Tasks (NNTs) and their consequences, as well as the underlying factors that contribute to the occurrence of NNTs. BACKGROUND: Nurses play a crucial role in providing high-quality patient care, but they often engage in NNTs, which can hinder their ability to deliver care effectively. Western countries have primarily conducted research on NNTs, while Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan have received limited attention. Expanding our understanding of NNTs is essential for improving nursing care. METHODS: A qualitative-exploratory approach was adopted. The research was conducted at three hospitals in Amman, Jordan. A purposeful sampling approach was used to select the participant and a focus group-interview method was used to gather the data. The derived data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: The final sample of this study included 38 participants. The findings highlighted that nurses often perform NNTs due to staff shortages and limited resources, as well as weaknesses in nursing administration and education. The finding also highlights the consequences of NNTs on nurses' professional lives, including impaired nursing care, physical and mental health strain, and a lack of efficiency and productivity. CONCLUSIONS: The present study's results provide valuable insights into the impact of NNTs on nurses in Jordan. These findings underscore the need for healthcare stakeholders to actively address the issue of NNTs. It also emphasized the need for more explicit job descriptions and processes, along with support for nurses to fulfilling their responsibilities and prioritizing patient care.
