Comparison of nurse, system and quality patient care outcomes in 8-hour and 12-hour shifts.
BACKGROUND
Many nurses desire 12-hour shifts. However, there are concerns about implementation.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to compare the effects of 8- and 12-hour shifts on nurse, system, and quality patient care outcomes.


METHODS
We used a cross-sectional design with data collected from multiple sources in 2003-2004, including a nurse survey and administrative and patient records. We studied hospital nurses and patients in general adult wards, with outcomes including burnout, job satisfaction, scheduling satisfaction, preferences, intention to stay, and employee safety. System outcomes included recruitment and turnover, staffing, absenteeism, and related costs. A variety of quality patient care outcomes were measured from the 3 different types of data.


RESULTS
Thirteen New York City hospitals participated; 805 surveys were examined from 99 nursing units (response rate 42%). Compared with nurses working 8-hour shifts, those working 12-hour shifts were on average more satisfied with their jobs, experienced less emotional exhaustion, 10 times more likely to be satisfied with schedules, 2 times as likely to perceive 12-hour schedules as important, and 58% less likely to report missing shifts; units with 12-hour shifts had lower vacancy rates and weeks to fill the position (all P values < or =0.05). There were no differences in patient outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses working 12-hour shifts were more satisfied. There were no differences in quality outcomes. Flexibility and choice in shift length are important elements in a positive nurse work environment. This study represents an innovative attempt by a labor-management bargaining group to make an evidence-based decision. We encourage others to conduct similar studies.
Stone
Patricia W
PW
Columbia University School of Nursing, New York City, New York 10032, USA. ps2024@columbia.edu
Du
Yunling
Y
Cowell
Rhabia
R
Amsterdam
Norma
N
Helfrich
Thomas A
TA
Linn
Robert W
RW
Gladstein
Amy
A
Walsh
Mary
M
Mojica
Lorraine A
LA
D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012449:Safety