Mitigating the Adverse Effects of 12-Hour Shifts: Nursing Leaders' Perspectives

The purpose of this study was to explore perspectives of nurse leaders regarding strategies to mitigate the job demands of 12-hour shift work and learn their views regarding the role of breaks in offsetting the cognitive and physical demands of acute care nurses working 12-hour shifts.

The strain of long shifts can result in adverse outcomes for nurses, organizations, and patients.

A modified, 3-round, e-Delphi solicited input from nurse leaders. First, qualitative information about support and resources to mitigate the adverse effects of 12-hour shifts was collected, and then 2 subsequent rounds used consensus identification and item ranking to develop recommendations.

Findings reinforce that job demands of 12-hour shifts can be mitigated via staffing practices, quiet break spaces, and the opportunity to work with familiar patients.

Recommendations from this work may enhance patient safety, positive organizational outcomes, and a resilient and sustainable nursing workforce.