Inadequate number of staff and other reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care across hospital types and units.

The most significant reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care were 'Inadequate number of staff', 'Inadequate number of assistive personnel' and 'Unexpected patient admission and discharge'. Most reasons were rated as more significant by nurses from non-university hospitals. Nurses from medical units perceived all reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care as more significant.