How Does 24-Hour Shift-Working Affect Intensive Care Unit Nurses?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe intensive care nurses' perceptions and experiences of shift working and reveal how to cope with its effects. Data were collected through an individual semi-structured interview guide and transcribed verbatim by using a qualitative descriptive design. Interviews were done with 11 Turkish intensive care unit nurses. As a result of the analyses, four main themes were obtained: 1) the effects of shift working on nurses' lifestyle, 2) the effects of shift-working on nurses' working life, 3) the effects of shift working on nurses' patient care practices, and 4) the strategies used by nurses to cope with the effects of shift-working. The positive and negative consequences of the multifaceted effects of shift-working perceived by nurses should be taken into consideration, and individuals or a group of nurses who have been searching for strategies to cope with and overcome these effects should be supported.