Physiological and behavioural response patterns at work among hospital nurses.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Nursing Science
• Physiology

Background:

• High nurse workload is linked to decreased care quality and increased turnover.
• Physiological strain from nursing work can be measured by energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), and work pace (WP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess physiological strain in hospital nurses working 12-hour shifts.
• To examine physiological and behavioral responses during extended shifts.

Main Methods:

• 145 nurses participated, wearing monitors for one 12-hour shift to record HR and WP.
• EE was calculated from HR and WP data; individual and work factors were assessed via questionnaires and logs.

Main Results:

• Total EE over 12 hours matched moderate-intensity 8-hour shifts.
• Moderate cardiac stress was observed throughout shifts, with a decrease in WP after 15:00.
• Factors like insufficient breaks, poor sleep, caregiving, and age may impede work recovery.

Conclusions:

• 12-hour nursing shifts negatively impact hospital nurses' physiological well-being.
• Nurse managers must recognize this strain and ensure adequate breaks and accommodations, especially for older nurses.