The association between rotating shiftwork and increased occupational stress in nurses

• Published in: Journal of occupational health 2015-07, Vol.57 (4), p.307-315
• Main Authors: Lin, Pei-Chen, Chen, Chung-Hey, Pan, Shung-Mei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1341-9145

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether rotating shift work increases occupational stress in nurses. Methods: This study measured shift work scheduling and occupational stress by using the Effort-Reward Imbalance model with selfreported questionnaires in a sample of 654 female nurses. Results: Overcommitment risk was higher in nurses who worked rotating shifts than in those who worked day/non-night shifts (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.03?4.66). However, an effort/reward imbalance was not directly associated with work schedules (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 0.87?4.35). Among nurses working rotation rotating shifts, those who had 2 days off after their most recent night shifts showed an alleviated risk of overcommitment (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32?0.82), but those who had worked for at least one series of 7 consecutive work days per month had an increased risk of effort/reward imbalance (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.69?4.48). Additionally, those who had little or no participation in planning working hours and shift scheduling and worked overtime at least three times per week during the preceding 2 months tended to have high stress. Conclusions: The nurses who worked rotating shifts tended to experience work-related stress, but their stress levels improved if they had at least 2 days off after their most recent night shift and if they were not scheduled to work 7 consecutive days. These empirical data can be used to optimize work schedules for nurses to alleviate work stress. 33 references