Abstract: Objective: To investigate the current situation of nursing interruptions and multitasking and analyze its correlation with mental workload of nurses. Methods: The convenience sampling method was performed. Total 126 shifts among 10 registered nurses were observed. The nursing interruption, multitasking and mental workload of nurses were analyzed. Results: The frequency of work interruption was (3.00±1.36) times/h and multitasking accounted for (17.80±7.56)%. The nursing interruption, multitasking and mental workload among nurses with different qualification were different (P<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between nursing interruption, multitasking and mental workload (P<0.05). Conclusion: Nursing interruption and multitasking happen sometimes. Nurses can have heavy workload. Reducing nursing interruption and multitasking can improve work efficiency, nursing quality and nurses’ physical and mental health.

Key words: time-motion study; nursing interruption; multitasking; mental workload