Objective: To identify the severity and workload of nursing with adult patients seeking admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods:A cross-sectional study with a quantitative, exploratory and prospective approach was performed, developed in a hospital in the state of São Paulo. Demographic data on patients were collected, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III) was applied to assess the severity of patients and the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) was used to evaluate nursing workload, between July and August 2014. Results: The overall mean score of the SAPS III was 30.52 ± 18.39 and that of the NAS was 58.18 ± 22.29. The group of patients admitted to the ICU showed higher severity and higher workload of nursing compared to non-admitted patients. Non-admitted patients had an NAS of 53.85. Conclusion: The nursing workload in patients who were not admitted to the ICU was also high. The evaluation of workload in other contexts where patients are seriously ill is important.The workload assessment in other contexts where severely ill patients are found is evident. resumen Objetivo: Identificar la gravedad y la carga de trabajo de enfermería requerida por pacientes adultos candidatos a una vacante en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Método: Estudio transversal, cuantitativo, exploratorio y prospectivo, realizado en un hospital del interior de São Paulo. La recolección de datos demográficos utilizó el Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III), para evaluar la gravedad, y el Nursing Activities Score (NAS), para evaluar la carga de trabajo de enfermería, entre julio y agosto de 2014. Resultados: El promedio general de la puntuación SAPS III fue 30,52; el NAS, 58,18. Los pacientes admitidos en la UTI presentaron mayor gravedad y carga de trabajo en comparación con pacientes no admitidos (NAS promedio de 53,85). KeywordsConclusión: La carga de trabajo de enfermería en los pacientes que no son admitidos en la UTI también es alta. Se debe evaluar la carga de trabajo en otros contextos donde estén pacientes graves.