Resumen en español

Objective: to determine the importance of nursing administration in the clinical area and its implications for the care of patients in two private Institutions of Service Providers (IPS) and the department of Córdoba State Social Enterprise (ESE). Methods: descriptive study with a qualitative-quantitative approach; data was collected through structured interview and recorded on tape, and a systematic observation instrument was applied. Results: the study included 48-55 years old nurses (33.3%), married (45.8%), with 2 to 7 years of service (33. 3%). Administrative activities were 75% in public institutions and 100% in private institutions. In public institutions, 66.6% reported spending little time on patient care compared to professionals from private institutions at 58.3%. All participants (100%) performed the administrative tasks; it consisted of nursing rounds, medical records updates, physician order review, activities coordination, debit records and requisition preparation. Conclusion: the main role of the professional nurse has undergone significant changes; service management comprises the main activity, with Patient Care following.