Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Nursing
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
This project addresses the negative aspects of twelve hour shifts within the nursing profession and how a change to eight hour shifts leads to decreased burnout, increased job satisfaction, and a more positive work-life balance. The term ‘nursing shortage’ is often improperly used to imply only a deficit in registered nurses across the country; however, it is instead due to practicing nurses leaving the profession before retirement, especially in bedside positions. Nurses are searching for different paths for multiple reasons, but a common factor among all of them is burnout caused by the current system in place. This project addresses a policy that could decrease the amount of burnout nurses experience with their jobs. By collecting information from past studies detailing the effects of twelve hour shifts on physical and mental health, patient safety and quality of care, the need for a choice in a nurse’s schedule is emphasized. While many appreciate the flexibility three, twelve hour work weeks provide, others struggle with child- and family-care, time for personal hobbies, and inconsistent work schedules. The results across three studies found an increase in musculoskeletal disorders, anxiety, depression, burnout, and workplace satisfaction for hospital staff. Longer shifts for registered nurses within hospitals lead to negative effects on the nurse’s health which in turn can impact their ability to provide quality care to patients.
Fall Scholars Week 2022 Event
Senior Nursing Poster Session
Included in
Implementing the Option for 8-Hour Shifts Compared to 12-Hour Shifts to Protect the Well-being of Nurses and Patients
This project addresses the negative aspects of twelve hour shifts within the nursing profession and how a change to eight hour shifts leads to decreased burnout, increased job satisfaction, and a more positive work-life balance. The term ‘nursing shortage’ is often improperly used to imply only a deficit in registered nurses across the country; however, it is instead due to practicing nurses leaving the profession before retirement, especially in bedside positions. Nurses are searching for different paths for multiple reasons, but a common factor among all of them is burnout caused by the current system in place. This project addresses a policy that could decrease the amount of burnout nurses experience with their jobs. By collecting information from past studies detailing the effects of twelve hour shifts on physical and mental health, patient safety and quality of care, the need for a choice in a nurse’s schedule is emphasized. While many appreciate the flexibility three, twelve hour work weeks provide, others struggle with child- and family-care, time for personal hobbies, and inconsistent work schedules. The results across three studies found an increase in musculoskeletal disorders, anxiety, depression, burnout, and workplace satisfaction for hospital staff. Longer shifts for registered nurses within hospitals lead to negative effects on the nurse’s health which in turn can impact their ability to provide quality care to patients.