The impact of shift work on the mental health, burnout syndrome, and job satisfaction of female nurses in a general hospital: a comparison between rotating night shifts and day shifts

Abstract

Numerous industries, including transportation, healthcare and hospitality, rely on the availability of employees who work beyond the conventional hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (1). Up to 40% of healthcare workers within the European Union are subjected to shift work (2). Shift work is regarded as essential in the healthcare system to guarantee and facilitate continuity of care in hospitals and residential institutions. Shift work requires nurses to follow rotating schedules that include night shifts. These schedules are necessary to provide 24-hour care for patients and imply that nurses may have to work extended hours to ensure the continuous availability of healthcare professionals to address patients’ needs (3, 4), which can potentially contribute to the onset of burnout. Burnout is a state that arises from prolonged exposure to difficult and demanding work circumstances. It is primarily triggered by a combination of physical and psychological risks associated with one’s occupation, especially when the work environment lacks factors that promote well-being and satisfaction (4). Burnout is defined by extreme exhaustion, a sense of cynicism or detachment, and difficulties in thinking clearly and managing emotions effectively. It is a condition where individuals experience significant fatigue, develop negative attitudes or scepticism towards their work, and struggle with cognitive and emotional functioning (4). Studies have revealed that between 25% and 37% of nurses in Europe and the United States experience burnout (5, 6). Burnout and weariness have serious consequences for both the affected individuals and the organisations that employ them. Individuals who are burned out are more likely to request sick time and declare their intention to leave their jobs. These outcomes will have a substantial impact not just on the efficiency and well- being of individuals, nevertheless on the general functioning and performance of the organisations to which they are associated with (7). Patient safety is also affected by nurse burnout since burnout is linked to a higher risk of medication errors and increases the likelihood of patients encountering infections, falls and adverse events (8).