Table 1.

Categories of nursing managers’ activities identified from time and motion study

Category	Brief description
Patient care	Includes the assessment of patients or providing, checking, directing, discussing, organising, or coordinating care
Hospital administration	Management or quality assurance meetings, discussion with individuals, private or corporate organisations
Patient administration	Admissions and discharges, completing or checking nursing records, checking medical or essential equipment
Education	Includes patient or junior staff education, or organising continuing professional development activities
Communication and support	Includes telephone calls and communication or support provided to all categories of staff (doctors, nurses, other staff members), patients, their relatives or visitors, students
Equipment and stock management	Ordering, checking, receiving, distributing, or locating items or consumables
Staff management	Directing, correcting, orientating, sourcing, allocating and delegating, conflict resolution, and staff evaluation
Miscellaneous (other)	Walking around and seeking items, ward hygiene, tidying, maintenance and support services, breaks – lunch/tea/rest