Factors Affecting Work Ability in Day and Shift‐Working Nurses

Abstract

Satisfactory work ability is sustained and promoted by good physical and mental health and by favorable working conditions. This study examined whether favorable and rewarding work-related factors increased the work ability among European nurses. The study sample was drawn from the Nurses' Early Exit Study and consisted of 7,516 nursing staff from seven European countries working in state-owned and private hospitals. In all, 10.8% were day, 4.2% were permanent night, 20.9% were shift without night shift, and 64.1% were shift workers with night shifts. Participants were administered a composite questionnaire at baseline (Time 0) and 1 yr later (Time 1). The Work Ability Index (WAI) at Time 1 was used as the outcome measure, while work schedule, sleep, rewards (esteem and career), satisfaction with pay, work involvement and motivation, and satisfaction with working hours at Time 0 were included as potential determinants of work ability. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted after adjusting for a number of confounders (i.e., country, age, sex, type of employment, family status, and other job opportunities in the same area). Work schedule was not related to Time 1 changes in WAI. Higher sleep quality and quantity and more favorable psychosocial factors significantly increased work ability levels. Higher sleep quality and quantity did not mediate the effect of work schedule on work ability. No relevant interaction effects on work ability were observed between work schedule and the other factors considered at Time 0. As a whole, sleep and satisfaction with working time were gradually reduced from day work to permanent night work. However, scores on work involvement, motivation, and satisfaction with pay and rewards were the highest in permanent night workers and the lowest in rotating shift workers that included night shifts.

Turnos de 7 horas versus 12 horas en enfermería intensiva: vivir a contratiempo

“…De la misma manera, en estudios anteriores se evidencia un aumento en la calidad del sueño, factores psicosociales más favorables y aumento de la capacidad laboral en turnos de 12 horas 11,15 . Estos datos se presentan de manera muy similar a los que se alcanzaron en nuestro estudio: se percibió menor sensación de fatiga y mayor conciliación laboral con la vida diaria en turnos de 12 horas respecto al turno de 7…”

Estresse e qualidade do sono entre enfermeiros que utilizam medicamentos para dormir

“…The damages of sleep in night shift are pointed in studies (30)(31) . However in this research, we got given significant of damage of sleep and drowsiness during the day for the individuals of morning shifts.…”

Work Ability and Psychological Well-Being in Hospital Staff

“…The main determinants of work ability are physical and mental health, motivation, adaptation to the psychosocial environment, adaptation to the workload and work environment, and professional competence (Mincheva & Vangelova, 2008). Therefore, satisfactory work ability is sustained and promoted by strong physical and mental health, as well as by favorable work conditions (Camerino et al, 2008). Comprehensive evaluation of work ability is often considered difficult to perform as it involves the services of various medical specialists and the use of significant resources.…”