The impact of shift work on the psychological and physical health of nurses in a general hospital: a comparison between rotating night shifts and day shifts

Abstract

BackgroundShift work is considered necessary to ensure continuity of care in hospitals and residential facilities. In particular, the night shift is one of the most frequent reasons for the disruption of circadian rhythms, causing significant alterations of sleep and biological functions that can affect physical and psychological well-being and negatively impact work performance.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to highlight if shift work with nights, as compared with day work only, is associated with risk factors predisposing nurses to poorer health conditions and lower job satisfaction.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015 in 17 wards of a general hospital and a residential facility of a northern Italian city. This study involved 213 nurses working in rotating night shifts and 65 in day shifts. The instrument used for data collection was the “Standard Shift Work Index,” validated in Italian. Data were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe response rate was 86%. The nurses engaged in rotating night shifts were statistically significantly younger, more frequently single, and had Bachelors and Masters degrees in nursing. They reported the lowest mean score in the items of job satisfaction, quality and quantity of sleep, with more frequent chronic fatigue, psychological, and cardiovascular symptoms in comparison with the day shift workers, in a statistically significant way.ConclusionOur results suggest that nurses with rotating night schedule need special attention due to the higher risk for both job dissatisfaction and undesirable health effects.

The impact of 12-hour shifts on nurses’ health, wellbeing, and job satisfaction: A systematic review

“…This could be explained to staff so that they are better able to manage sleep disturbance. [58,60] Musculoskeletal disorders were found to be related to 12-hour shifts in this review, despite the fact that this finding had not previously been described in the literature. Although [25] produced the only study that recognized the relationship between work schedule characteristics and musculoskeletal disorders in day shifts; this finding is supported by another study identifying that long working hours are one of the risk factors of back pain; however, it should be noticed that this study did not define long hours as being of 12-hour or more.…”

“…It could be suggested that higher indices of chronic fatigue, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion among nurses working for 12-hour shifts are associated with poor general sleep qualities. [58,59] Thus, to improve the circadian rhythm, good sleep habits and a comfortable environment are important to improve the quality of sleep. This could be explained to staff so that they are better able to manage sleep disturbance.…”

Estresse Ocupacional E Fatores Associados Entre Enfermeiros De Hospitais Públicos

“…Entre as principais repercussões associadas ao estresse ocupacional, têm-se o absenteísmo, insatisfação laboral, acidentes de trabalho, diminuição da qualidade de vida, síndrome de burnout, problemas cardiovasculares, distúrbios psíquicos menores, e também ocorre um declínio do desempenho do trabalhador, que impacta a qualidade do cuidado (9)(10)(11)(12)(13) .…”

Serum Cortisol Level and Depression Among Shift-Working Nursing Staff in a University Hospital

“…It is speculated that night-shift work, like jet lag, can frequently induce undesirable health effects (Ferri et al, 2016). Previous studies reported that in addition to being easily tired, shift work causes anxiety, sleep disorder, fatigue and nervous temperament (Grossman, 1997 andBunney andBunney, 2000).…”

“…Despite all of these findings regarding working against circadian rhythm, the factors associated with depression tendency have not been objectively examined (Ferri et al, 2016).…”