OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency, types and contributing factors of missed nursing care among registered nurses in a tertiary care setting. METHODS: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2022 at the Dow University Hospital, Karachi, and Dr Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, and comprised nurses registered with the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. Data was collected using a validated tool. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 232 nurses, 127(54.7%) were males, 105(45.3%) were females, 123(53%) were aged 30-39 years, and 73(31.5%) had work experience of 1-5 years. Nursing care components neglected by the nurses were patient bathing 127(54.7%), attending care conference 108(46.6%) and focussed reassessment 100(43.1%). Factors responsible for missed care were manpower resources identified by 152(65.5%) nurses, material resources by 141(60.8%), and communication factors identified by 84(36.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Various nursing care components were found missing during patient hospitalisation. Major reason for missed care was identified by the nurses as lack of manpower resources.