Eight- and Twelve-hour Shifts and Well-being Among Hospital Nurses

Abstract

Nursing is one of the professional occupations that involves work over the 24-hour period. As length of shift changes we should be aware of the effect on the persons involved. It is important that schedules allow the nurse to balance her personal and professional responsibilities, in order to be able to manage the inherent stresses of her job (McGillick, 1983). A work schedule can enhance non-work time by providing blocks of time that permit a greater variety of activities and provide support and encouragement through increased contact with family and friends (Cunningham, 1982). In recent years, many hospitals across Canada have experimented with various types of shift (S.C. Wynn, personal communication, October 28, 1980). One of the most common shifts implemented on nursing units is the 12-hour shift. The main objective of this study is a comparison of 8- and 12-hour shifts.