title: Factors that guide nurse managers regarding the staffing of agency nurses in intensive care units at private hospitals in Pretoria.
abstract: Staffing needs affect the nursing department's budget, staff productivity, the quality of care provided to patients and even the retention of nurses. It is unclear how the role players (the nursing agency manager, the nurse manager and the agency nurse) perceive the staffing of agency nurses in intensive care units (ICUs). The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the factors that guide nurse managers regarding the staffing of agency nurses in ICUs at private hospitals in Pretoria. A quantitative exploratory and descriptive design was used. A survey by means of a structured questionnaire was carried out. Probability sampling was implemented to obtain a study sample (n=124). One similar self-administered 5-point scale instrument was completed by the participants. Data was analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics. The principles of validity and reliability were adhered to and ethical considerations were also taken into account. The results indicated limitations in the determining of posts, recruitment and advertising, as well as the selection and appointment of agency nurses in ICUs at private hospitals in Pretoria. Recommendations on staffing are made to nurse managers in ICUs.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of the Western Cape. kjooste@uwc.ac.za.
authors.forename: Karien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jooste
authors.forename: Carine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prinsloo
mesh_terms: D016304:Hospitals, Private; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires