Aim. This paper is a discussion of the derivation of the Nursing Services Delivery
Theory from the application of open system theory to large-scale organizations.
Background. The underlying mechanisms by which staffing indicators influence
outcomes remain under-theorized and unmeasured, resulting in a ‘black box’ that
masks the nature and organization of nursing work. Theory linking nursing work,
staffing, work environments, and outcomes in different settings is urgently needed to
inform management decisions about the allocation of nurse staffing resources in
organizations.
Data sources. A search of CINAHL and Business Source Premier for the years
1980–2008 was conducted using the following terms: theory, models, organization,
organizational structure, management, administration, nursing units, and nursing.
Seminal works were included.