Challenging the myth of the 12-hour shift: a pilot evaluation

Abstract

This study illustrated the potential a new nursing shift pattern involving 12-hour shifts has for patient care, as well as for staff job satisfaction and efficient management of the ward. Twelve-hour shifts are infamous in nursing and many studies cite exhausted and dissatisfied staff as a reason for the negative press (Fitzpatrick et al 1999, Todd et al 1993). In particular, Todd et al (1989) claimed that the quality of patient care was negatively affected on wards that used a 12-hour shift pattern. The study reported here challenges Todd et al's work (1989, 1993) by demonstrating the benefits a change in shift pattern to 12-hour shifts can have for patients and staff in a ward environment.

Comparing Jordanian nurses’ job stressors in stressful and non-stressful clinical areas

“…This result was consistent with previous studies (BloodWorth et al, 2001;Gillespie & Curzio, 1996). Twelve-hour shift pattern has been found to be benefi cial and popular, primarily because it can have social benefi ts (McVicar, 2003).…”

Effects of a 12-hour shift on mood states and sleepiness of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses

“…A literature review found some studies that concluded that 12-hour shifts can potentially improve nurses` satisfaction , patient care quality and efficient management of the nursing unit (27)(28)(29) . At the same time, it reported potentially serious error-related consequences to patient care (6)(7) .…”

“…Although levels of hydration were not assessed, we found evidence of the importance of liquid intake during the shift. Further investigation is necessary.Approximately 25% of the nurses declared to have chosen to work in 12-h shifts in order to have more time, contributing to a more flexible working life (27)(28) . A literature review found some studies that concluded that 12-hour shifts can potentially improve nurses` satisfaction , patient care quality and efficient management of the nursing unit (27)(28)(29) .…”

"A hard day's night?" The effects of Compressed Working Week interventions on the health and work-life balance of shift workers: a systematic review

“…The majority of health outcomes, and all WLB ones, were self-reported. In a sizeable number of the CWW studies, the intervention was either at the behest of the work force,34 – 36 41 47 49 60 69 70 83 or from the management (with a stated desire to improve health or WLB) 37 50 62 – 64 66 71 74 79 80 82. However, in other studies, the motivation was more obviously efficiency or productivity 46 48 51 53 54 59 61 67 77 78 81.…”