An Examination of Work Characteristics, Fatigue, and Recovery Among Acute Care Nurses

Jan 15, 2021The Journal of nursing administration

How Work Conditions Affect Tiredness and Recovery in Hospital Nurses

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Abstract

Significant levels of acute fatigue were reported among nurses working in labor and delivery and medical-surgical units, particularly during 12-hour shifts.

Nurses experienced more fatigue while working in specific units, such as labor and delivery and medical-surgical.
A 12-hour shift was linked to higher levels of acute fatigue.
Nurses working night shifts had a notably lower ability to recover between shifts.
Inadequate recovery time between shifts may impact nurse performance and patient safety.

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OBJECTIVE: To examine self-perceived fatigue among nurses and to quantify levels of fatigue and the ability to recover from fatigue between worked shifts across various work characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is associated with working long hours, disruption of sleep, and inadequate time to recover between shifts. Fatigue degrades the nurses' performance leading to poorer patient outcomes and increased occupational injuries.

METHODS: This quantitative study surveyed 573 nurses across 5 hospitals in the southeastern United States.

RESULTS: Significant levels of acute fatigue were associated with working labor and delivery and medical-surgical units and working a 12-hour shift. Nurses working night shift and on the behavioral health unit showed a significantly lower ability to recover between worked shifts.

CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue threatens safety and the quality of patient care. Leaders should ensure that nurses take duty-free breaks and schedule adequate time off to recover between worked shifts.

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An Examination of Work Characteristics, Fatigue, and Recovery Among Acute Care Nurses

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