Procrastination Within the Nursing Context: A Concept Analysis.

Abstract

Aim: This study employs Walker and Avant's concept analysis methodology to systematically define and operationalise procrastination within nursing practice.

Background: While 'procrastination' is widely cited in behavioural science literature, its definition remains ambiguous in the nursing context. This conceptual uncertainty hampers comparative research and the development of targeted interventions, underscoring the need for conceptual clarification.

Design: A literature review guided by Walker and Avant's eight-step framework.

Data sources: English-language articles published between 2003 and 2025 were retrieved from 11 major databases, including CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, MEDLINE Complete, PubMed, Science Direct, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Complete and PsycARTICLES.

Methods: Concept analysis was conducted following Walker and Avant's method. Article screening and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers, with inter-rater agreement (κ = 0.86).

Results: Three defining attributes of procrastination in nursing were identified: (1) a breakdown in self-regulation, (2) awareness of negative consequences and (3) the postponement of planned tasks. In nursing practice, its antecedents include heightened work stress, diminished self-efficacy and compromised personal health and fatigue. The consequences ranged from reduced quality of care and professional burnout to decreased motivation, poor performance and potential harm to patients.

Conclusion: This analysis positions procrastination as a multidimensional construct in nursing, characterised by intentional task avoidance that carries significant systemic implications. The clarified conceptual framework offers a foundation for future research and strategies in nursing education, management and policy. These efforts may help mitigate procrastination's adverse effects on care quality and provider well-being.