How Do Nurses Cope with Shift Work? A Qualitative Analysis of Open-Ended Responses from a Survey of Nurses

Michael Savic, Rowan P. Ogeil, Megan J. Sechtig, Peta Lee-Tobin, Nyssa Ferguson and Dan I. Lubman
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Michael Savic: Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia
Rowan P. Ogeil: Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia
Megan J. Sechtig: Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
Peta Lee-Tobin: Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia
Nyssa Ferguson: Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
Dan I. Lubman: Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-17

Abstract: Nurses are frequently required to engage in shift work given the 24/7 nature of modern healthcare provision. Despite the health and wellbeing costs associated with shift work, little is known about the types of coping strategies employed by nurses. It may be important for nurses to adopt strategies to cope with shift work in order to prevent burnout, maintain wellbeing, and ensure high quality care to patients. This paper explores common strategies employed by nurses to cope with shift work. A workforce survey was completed by 449 shift working nurses that were recruited from a major metropolitan health service in Melbourne, Australia. Responses to open-ended questions about coping strategies were analysed using the framework approach to thematic analysis. Four interconnected main themes emerged from the data: (i) health practices, (ii) social and leisure, (iii) cognitive coping strategies, and (iv) work-related coping strategies. Although a range of coping strategies were identified, sleep difficulties often hindered the effective use of coping strategies, potentially exacerbating poor health outcomes. Findings suggest that in addition to improving nurses’ abilities to employ effective coping strategies on an individual level, workplaces also play an important role in facilitating nurses’ wellbeing.

Keywords: shift work; stress; sleep loss; exercise/physical activity; nurses; coping; health; wellbeing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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