Nurses working the night shift: Impact on home, family and social life

Abstract

Objective: To gain an understanding of the experience of registered nurses working the night shift, the impact on life outside of work, and ways of coping with home, family, and social stressors. A review of literature indicted that physiological and social difficulties from night shift work include problems with sleep, diet, menstrual cycles, stress/anxiety, weight gain, workplace errors and driving accidents. Also reported was less time for leisure, domestic responsibilities, child care, friends and family. Studies have been conducted internationally wherein workplace and cultural differences may affect global applicability. Interventions and anticipatory guidance are lacking. Further research was needed to better understand the effects on personal life and ways of coping.

Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological method was utilized. Registered nurses (N = 21) were interviewed.

Results: Identified themes included issues that affected family life, child care, and relationships with spouse/significant other, friends and extended family. Recommendations for self-care, coping, and suggestions for novice night shift nurses were offered.

Conclusions: Twenty-one informants described the consequences of working the night shift and listed strategies used to contend with the stress it generates in their homes, families, and social lives. Nurses entering night shift employment would benefit from a program of anticipatory guidance. Knowledge concerning this topic raises awareness for improvements in nursing school curricula, institutional policy and staff satisfaction. Nursing remediation may involve scheduling flexibility, planned rest periods in comfortable staff lounges, healthy workplace nutritional offerings, exercise options, childcare services, peer support groups and in-service programs.