Modernising the 12-hour shift

To evaluate a year-long trial of a nursing shift pattern involving two 12-hour and two six-and-a-quarter-hour shifts.

Twenty four nurses, four night sisters and two ward therapists were asked to complete a semi-structured questionnaire, and there was a 100 per cent response rate. Data on ward sickness, use of agency nurses, and 'untoward incidents' during the year were also analysed.

Every nurse and therapist involved in the trial gave positive feedback regarding the new shift pattern. There was also a significant drop in sporadic sickness rates and agency nurse use during the year.

A shift pattern involving two 12-hour and two six-and-a-quarter-hour shifts appears to hold benefits for nurses' health, wellbeing and job satisfaction.