Fatigue, Work Schedules, and Perceived Performance in Bedside Care Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Occupational Health
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Nurse fatigue is a significant concern impacting patient safety and outcomes.
• Understanding the relationship between work schedules, fatigue, and perceived performance is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between fatigue, work schedules, and perceived work performance in hospital nurses.
• To identify factors contributing to nurse fatigue and its impact on patient care.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 77 bedside nurses.
• Data collected on work schedules, fatigue levels (chronic and acute), sleep quality, and perceived work performance.
• Statistical analysis to determine associations between variables.

Main Results:

• Nurses working on off days reported higher chronic fatigue than those with time off.
• Adequate sleep and feeling refreshed were associated with less fatigue and better intershift recovery.
• Both acute and chronic fatigue correlated with poorer perceived physical performance, reduced alertness, concentration, and less effective communication.

Conclusions:

• Nurse fatigue, influenced by work schedules and sleep quality, poses safety risks.
• Interventions targeting fatigue management and promoting adequate rest are essential for nursing practice.
• Nursing management must actively monitor and address nurse fatigue to ensure patient safety.