The need for recovery: An investigation into short-term work-related fatigue in veterinary nurses

Veterinary nursing is physically and emotionally demanding, putting veterinary nurses at risk of acute work-related fatigue (AWRF). Despite the increased recognition of chronic occupational syndromes such as burnout and compassion fatigue in recent years, few studies have investigated how AWRF impacts individuals and the profession.

An anonymous survey open to all UK-based registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) was distributed via email and social media. The survey investigated work patterns, hobbies, opinions about work and intentions to leave the veterinary profession. An English translation of the need for recovery (NFR) scale was used to quantify the AWRF.

The median NFR score from 387 responses was 81.8, indicating high levels of AWRF. Long shifts, sole-charge work and overtime were associated with higher scores, while having support at work and a better work-life balance were associated with lower scores. Higher scores were correlated with intentions to leave the profession.

Although validated as a measure of AWRF, the unidimensional NFR scale oversimplifies the complexities of fatigue. A limited number of RVNs responded to the survey, reducing statistical power.

Although there is no single solution to staff turnover, the results from this survey suggest that addressing AWRF may improve retention of RVNs.