Exploring the Health and Well-being Impacts of Shift Work on Nurses: A Literature Review

Abstract

Aim: This literature review aims to explore and synthesize recent findings on the impact of shift work on the health and well-being of nurses, focusing on physical, psychological, and social outcomes. Given the essential role nurses play in healthcare, understanding how shift work affects their well-being is critical for developing supportive workplace policies and improving healthcare quality.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus, covering studies published from 2016 onward. Keywords included "shift work," "nurse health," "well-being," and "occupational health." Selection criteria focused on studies that addressed the physical, psychological, and social impacts of shift work on nurses, resulting in a curated collection of peer-reviewed articles.

Findings: Shift work significantly affects nurses' health, leading to sleep disorders, fatigue, and a heightened risk of chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Psychologically, shift work is associated with increased stress, burnout, and susceptibility to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Socially, irregular work hours challenge work-life balance, often leading to strained family relationships and social isolation. These impacts have far-reaching implications, potentially affecting job performance and patient care quality.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for healthcare organizations to consider interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of shift work on nurses. Policies that prioritize nurse well-being could improve retention, job satisfaction, and overall healthcare delivery quality. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and effective interventions to provide clearer insights into sustainable practices that support nurse health in shift-based environments.