The impact of shift work and organisational climate on nurse health: a cross-sectional study

Developing nurse and midwife centred rostering principles using co-design: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Current nursing and midwifery rosters are based on guidelines which may no longer adequately meet the needs of health services or staff and often result in decreased job satisfaction, poor health and wellbeing, and high turnover. Little is known about the rostering needs and preferences of contemporary nurses and midwives in Australia. The aim of this study was to identify the rostering concerns, needs and preferences of nurses and midwives, and co-design acceptable, equitable and feasible rostering principles.

METHODS

A mixed-methods design using a co-design approach with three components: survey, discussion groups, and co-design workshops. Nurses and midwives employed at three public health services in Victoria, Australia were invited to participate. The quantitative (survey) data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative (discussion groups and co-design workshops) data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 715 nurses and midwives including unit (n = 14) and roster (n = 13) managers. Nurses and midwives (n = 688) were mostly satisfied with their roster (mean satisfaction score = 57.4). Many had responsibilities or commitments which impacted their roster availability (n = 406, 61.6%) and over half had taken personal leave due to roster-related fatigue (n = 335, 59.1%) or unmet roster requests (n = 310, 54.7%). Midwives reported significantly less satisfaction (p < 0.001) and more challenges with current roster practices than nurses. Roster and unit managers described spending considerable time preparing and reworking rosters. Thirty-nine nurses and midwives participated in a focus group and outlined concerns about the fairness and equity of current roster practices, and the adverse impact on their health, work, and personal lives. Ninety-one nurses and midwives participated in a co-design workshop and identified a need for roster practices and guidelines which ensure flexibility, fairness and equity, and fatigue management.

CONCLUSIONS

Although nurses and midwives were mostly satisfied with their rosters, they often experienced frustrations and challenges with current roster guidelines and practices as well as adverse effects on their health and work and personal lives. Nurses and midwives identified a preference for fair and equitable rosters which provide flexibility and enable them to manage their other commitments and responsibilities, reduce roster-related fatigue, and provide high quality patient care.

Decoding the impact of night/day shiftwork on well-being among healthcare workers

This study delved into the complex effects of work schedules on the well-being of healthcare professionals, spotlighting Nigeria's medical landscape. A diverse cohort of 387 participants, spanning doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians or scientists, formed the research base, with the majority being women (67.7%), with a mean age of 34.67 years. Professionals self-reported their predominant schedules to gauge work patterns, classifying them as day or night shifts. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) tool assessed the quality of life across the physical, psychological, social relationship, and environmental domains. Psychological distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS), and perceived social support was evaluated via the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). A cross-sectional design was adopted, and the study employed moderated mediation analysis using SmartPLS 4.0. The results underscored the significant ramifications of night shifts on environmental and physical well-being. Psychological health and social relationships were better among day shift than night shift workers. There was a pronounced correlation between night shifts and heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. The mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating influence of social support in these relationships were evident. This study offers invaluable insights into the role of work schedules in shaping the well-being of healthcare professionals, emphasising the protective role of social support and the unique challenges faced by migrant health workers.

Influence of Shift Work on The Health of Nursing Professionals

Shift work is increasingly common in health services, subjecting healthcare professionals to work schedules that can alter circadian rhythms and eating habits with consequent repercussions for the intestinal homeostasis. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship of rotating work shifts with the intestinal health, sleep quality, and emotional dimension of nursing professionals. In March and May 2019, an observational and comparative study was conducted among 380 nursing professionals from different Spanish cities and divided into fixed shift (n = 159) and rotating shift (n = 221). To carry out the present work, the variables measured were gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency and shape, anxiety, depression, sleep, as well as stress and work environment. Nurses with rotating shifts reported more abdominal pain and symptoms of depersonalization, as well as worse sleep efficiency and worse nursing practice environment. In addition, overall scores of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were found to be significantly worse in nurses with these shifts. Rotating shift work by nursing staff may be associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal and anxiety-related symptoms. These findings, together with the presence of negative and insensitive attitudes towards patients by nurses on rotating shifts, should be considered to maintain the quality of healthcare.

The Daily Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Work Engagement of Nurses: A ‘Shortitudinal’ Diary Study

Nurses’ satisfaction and work engagement have been linked to patient outcomes. Nightshift nurses provide healthcare to the population and experience unique challenges in performing their healthcare tasks. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the daily basic needs satisfaction and work engagement of nightshift nurses in accordance with the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs as indicated by the Self-Determination Theory. A quantitative, ‘shortitudinal’ design (diary study; over a few days) with a multi-level research approach using a daily diary survey method was completed by a convenience sample of nurses working the nightshift in a public hospital (n = 33). The results revealed that the daily need for autonomy and need for relatedness did not significantly predict variance in daily work engagement. However, need for competence did significantly predict variance in daily work engagement, and general emotional load explained significant variability in daily need satisfaction of competence. Lastly, general role clarity had a negative impact on the daily variability in work engagement. This study provides healthcare organisations with explanations for variance in nursing performance and suggests possible interventions to address nursing outcomes in accordance with the three basic needs of nightshift nurses in daily activity.

Paediatric nurses' burnout and perceived health: The moderating effect of the common work‐shift

Aims

This study aimed to: (1) explore the relationship between paediatric nurses' burnout, perceived health and common work‐shift, (2) examine the moderating effect of the common work‐shift on the relationship between paediatric nurses' burnout and perceived health, (3) compare burnout and perceived health between paediatric nurses working on day shifts and night/alternate shifts.

Design

A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used in this study.

Methods

A convenient sample of 225 paediatric nurses was selected from nine hospitals in Jordan. Participants were surveyed using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

The perceived health correlated negatively with paediatric nurses' burnout and their common work‐shift. Also, nurses' burnout and common work‐shift were significantly correlated. The common work‐shift moderated the relationship between paediatric nurses' burnout and their health. To control the impact of paediatric nurses' burnout on their health, the ratio of the night‐to‐day shifts should be observed and balanced.

Modeling the relationship between shift work and cardiometabolic risk through circadian disruption, sleep and stress pathways

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the multiple pathways linking shift work exposure to cardiometabolic risk (CMR) through the intermediates of circadian disruption, sleep disturbances, and stress. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kingston Health Sciences Center that included female hospital workers, 160 who worked a day-only schedule and 168 who worked rotating days and nights. Participants completed questionnaires, a clinical exam, and wore accelerometers to collect sleep data for 8 days. Participants also collected urine samples at each void during a 24-h collection period, on the day shift for day-only workers and the night shift for rotating shift workers, for cortisol and melatonin measures. We adapted and tested a conceptual model proposed by Knutsson and Boggild for circadian disruption, sleep, and stress mechanistic pathways linking shift work to CMR using structural equation modeling techniques. Status as a rotating shift worker was associated with increased circadian disruption of cortisol and melatonin production compared to day-only workers (P < .001). Increased circadian disruption was associated with an increased CMR (P = .01). Rotating shift work was associated with sleep disturbances (P = .002) and increased job stress (P < .001), but neither was associated with CMR. We conclude that rotating shift work is associated indirectly with increased CMR. This association is mediated by circadian disruption as indicated by attenuated melatonin and cortisol, and flatter cortisol curves.

REPERCUSSIONS OF NIGHT SHIFT WORK ON NURSING PROFESSIONALS' HEALTH AND SLEEP QUALITY

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the association between sleep quality, health symptoms and the physical, psychological and social effects of work in Nursing professionals working the night shift. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with Nursing professionals working the night shift of a hospital institution. The instruments used were a socio-occupational and health symptoms questionnaire, the Assessment Scale for Work-Related Harms, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data were collected between September 2017 and April 2018.The analysis was performed by means of descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: a total of 139 workers took part in the study and a statistical difference was identified between poor sleep quality and the female gender and physical illness variables and health symptoms such as appetite disorder, sensation of indigestion, flatulence, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, unhappiness, sensation of decreased self-esteem and mood lability. Conclusion: it was verified that Nursing professionals working the night shift experienced poor sleep quality, and that this relationship exerts an impact on physical, psychological and social health. Interventions targeted at raising awareness about sleep hygiene can promote better outcomes in these individuals' health.

REPERCUSSÕES DO TRABALHO NOTURNO NA QUALIDADE DO SONO E SAÚDE DE TRABALHADORES DE ENFERMAGEM

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a associação entre a qualidade do sono, sintomas de saúde e os efeitos físicos, psicológicos e sociais do trabalho em trabalhadores de enfermagem que atuavam no turno noturno. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com trabalhadores de enfermagem que atuavam em instituição hospitalar no turno noturno. Utilizaram-se como instrumentos questionário sociolaboral e de sintomas de saúde, Escala de Avaliação dos Danos Relacionados ao Trabalho e o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh. Os dados foram coletados entre setembro de 2017 e abril de 2018. A análise foi realizada por meio da estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados: participaram 139 trabalhadores e identificou-se diferença estatística entre qualidade do sono ruim e as variáveis sexo feminino, adoecimento físico e sintomas de saúde como distúrbio de apetite, sensação de má digestão, flatulência, insônia, dificuldade de concentração, infelicidade, sensação de diminuição autoestima e labilidade de humor. Conclusão: constatou-se que os trabalhadores de enfermagem que atuavam no turno noturno experimentavam qualidade do sono ruim, e essa relação impacta na saúde física, psicológica e social. Intervenções visando à conscientização sobre a higiene do sono podem promover melhores resultados na saúde dessas pessoas.

Stress-Buffering and Health-Protective Effect of Job Autonomy, Good Working Climate, and Social Support at Work Among Health Care Workers in Switzerland

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between work stress, job resources, and health has not yet been investigated among health professionals in Switzerland.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey data, collected among hospital employees in German-speaking Switzerland, have been used for this study. Established measures were used to assess work stress as the main predictor and self-rated health and work-related burnout as the outcome variables. Validated measures for job autonomy, work climate, and social support at work were used as intervening variables.

RESULTS

The studied job resources were all found to be quite strongly and negatively associated with the two health outcomes but only partly explained and reduced the extraordinary strong positive association and clear dose-response relationship between work stress and poor self-rated health or burnout.

CONCLUSION

Job resources like these cannot completely prevent health professionals from negative health-related consequences of work stress.

Work environment-related factors and nurses' health outcomes: a cross-sectional study in Lebanese hospitals

Background

Worldwide, studies show a relationship between nurses’ health and some work environment factors; however, data on nurses’ health and self-perceived workload and nursing task allocation are lacking, particularly for Lebanese nurses. We assessed the relationship of several work environment factors: overall workload and specific temporal, physical, mental, effort, frustration, and performance demands (NASA Task Load Index), staffing resources and adequacy and leadership (Practice Environment Scale of Nursing Work Index), teamwork climate (Safety Attitudes Questionnaire), and nursing task allocation (Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care)) with self-reported musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, skin, and mental health diseases (Work Ability Index) and emotional exhaustion (Maslach Burnout Inventory) among Lebanese nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional self-report survey was distributed to all 289 registered nurses (RNs) in the medical, surgical, and pediatric units in two Lebanese university-affiliated hospitals; 170 RNs had complete data. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between work environment factors and health outcomes.

Results

The most prevalent outcomes were musculoskeletal disease (69%), emotional exhaustion (59%), and mental health problems (56%); 70% of RNs had ≥2 and 35.29% had ≥4 co-occurring health problems. Musculoskeletal disease was associated with higher overall (OR = 1.36 (95%CI = 1.03, 1.80)), temporal (OR = 1.30 (95%CI = 1.09, 1.55)), and physical demands (OR = 1.20 (95%CI = 1.03, 1.49)), higher task allocation to RNs (OR = 1.11 (95%CI = 1.01, 1.23)) and lower teamwork climate (OR = 0.60 (95%CI = 0.36, 0.98). Higher odds of mental/emotional problems were associated with higher overall, temporal, frustration, and effort demands, and lower teamwork climate, performance satisfaction, and resources adequacy (increased odds ranging from 18 to 88%). Work environment indicators were associated with higher co-occurrence of health problems.

Conclusions

Results show elevated health burden and co-morbidity among Lebanese RNs and highlight the value of comprehensive approaches that can simultaneously improve several work environment factors (namely self-perceived workload, teamwork,, resources, and nursing task allocation) to reduce this burden.

Emotion Regulation, Subjective Well-Being, and Perceived Stress in Daily Life of Geriatric Nurses

This daily diary study examined the within-person coupling between four emotion regulation strategies and both subjective well-being and perceived stress in daily life of geriatric nurses. Participants (N = 89) described how they regulated their emotions in terms of cognitive reappraisal and suppression. They also indicated their subjective well-being and level of perceived stress each day over 3 weeks. At the within-person level, cognitive reappraisal intended to increase positive emotions was positively associated with higher subjective well-being and negatively associated with perceived stress. Suppression of the expression of positive emotions was negatively associated with subjective well-being and positively associated with perceived stress. However, cognitive reappraisal intended to down-regulate negative emotions and suppression as a strategy to inhibit the expression of negative emotions were not associated with daily well-being or perceived stress. Off-days were rated as days with higher subjective well-being and lower perceived stress in contrast to working days. At the between-person level, individuals who reported more daily negative affect reported increased suppression of positive emotions, corroborating the within-person findings. Moreover, findings indicated that nurses with more years of experience in the job reported higher subjective well-being and less perceived stress. These results provide insights into important daily emotional processes of geriatric nurses, both at workdays and in their leisure time.