Centro de material e esterilização: estudo do tempo efetivo de trabalho para dimensionamento de pessoal

The appropriate dimensioning of nursing staff has been concerned nurses managers, especially as in specific areas like the Sterilization Centre (SC). This study aims to measure the effective working time of nursing staff at the SC. The data were collected in the SC of a university hospital in 2006, using as a methodological strategy, the direct observation of nursing staff and recording the data in an instrument of control, which were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The results indicate that the working time was 81,20%, classified as excellent, supported by literature that describes the value of 85%. It was concluded that the effective working time for nursing staff in the SC is similar to that described in other studies considering hospital units having in patients. Descriptor: Human Resources; Time Management; Nursing; Sterilization.