Italian nurses spend one‑third of shifts on non‑clinical tasks

A study by the University of Udine, published in the Journal of Nursing Management, found that Italian nurses devote 32.6% of their working shift to administrative, logistical or auxiliary duties that lie outside their professional competence. The research also showed that 94.5% of nurses perform at least one non‑nursing task during a typical shift.

The national nurses’ union COINA argues that this allocation of time reduces direct patient care, clinical monitoring, health education and overall care continuity. Union secretary Maurizio Ceccarelli calls for a clearer separation between clinical and non‑clinical functions, increased support staff, and organizational reforms that mirror advances in advanced nursing practice observed across Europe. He cites OECD reports that highlight the strategic role of advanced practice nurses in improving access, chronic disease management and system efficiency.

The union urges Italy to modernise work organisation, freeing nurses to focus on patient‑centred activities and thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of its public health system.