Modernising the 12-hour shift

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate a year-long trial of a nursing shift pattern involving two 12-hour and two six-and-a-quarter-hour shifts.

Method: Twenty four nurses, four night sisters and two ward therapists were asked to complete a semi-structured questionnaire, and there was a 100 per cent response rate. Data on ward sickness, use of agency nurses, and 'untoward incidents' during the year were also analysed.

Results: Every nurse and therapist involved in the trial gave positive feedback regarding the new shift pattern. There was also a significant drop in sporadic sickness rates and agency nurse use during the year.

Conclusion: A shift pattern involving two 12-hour and two six-and-a-quarter-hour shifts appears to hold benefits for nurses' health, wellbeing and job satisfaction.