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Pioneering the 12-hour shift in Australia--implementation and limitations
M Campolo1, J Pugh, L Thompson
1Frankston Hospital, Victoria.
Summary
Implementing 12-hour nursing shifts in an Australian intensive care unit (ICU) was preferred by staff and minimally impacted well-being and work performance. Staff retention and sick leave remained unaffected by the new 12-hour shift schedule.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Management
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Traditional 8- and 10-hour shifts are common in Australian nursing.
- Nursing staff initiated the exploration of 12-hour shift rostering.
- A Melbourne hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) served as the study site.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the implementation process of 12-hour shifts in an ICU.
- To evaluate the impact of 12-hour shifts on nursing staff well-being and work performance.
- To examine effects on staff retention, sick leave, and inservice education.
Main Methods:
- A democratically implemented roster pattern of consecutive 12-hour day and night shifts followed by days off was introduced.
- Independent researchers evaluated the impact of the shift pattern.
- Data on staff well-being, work performance, retention, sick leave, and inservice education were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Nursing staff preferred the 12-hour shift pattern.
- Staff well-being and work performance were minimally affected.
- Staff retention and sick leave rates were unaffected by the 12-hour shifts.
Conclusions:
- The implementation of 12-hour shifts in this ICU setting was successful.
- The new rostering pattern did not negatively impact nursing staff well-being or work performance.
- Democratically implemented 12-hour shifts are a viable alternative to traditional shifts, preferred by nursing staff.