ABSTRACT
Member States feature a galaxy of laws and regulations concerned with the world of work. To a large degree, these have been constructed under the influence of the minimum standards established by the European Union (EU). Time management provides a potent mechanism for the regulation of workload and definition of the allocation of tasks, among other things. In the case of nursing, use of part-time work has come into vogue and grown more rapidly than full-time. The prevalence of part-time work is related to the employment rate of a nation. Shift patterns differ as to their mode of operation, but certainly not in terms of significance. They establish the staffing level to meet patient need in a given service at a given time. Public holidays, national and local, are another benefit enjoyed by many European workers. This time off is offered in addition to paid annual leave.
