Unexplored dimension of shift work: the effects of late-early shifts on nurses and their wellbeing — a qualitative study

AIM: To investigate nurses' perceptions of the effects of late-early shifts on their overall wellbeing including physical and mental health. BACKGROUND: Nurses work long hour shifts with short breaks in between to provide 24-hour care in a healthcare setting. Little is known about nurses' perception of counterclockwise (CCW) rotating shifts, mainly the late-early shift. This study delves into nurses' views on late-early shifts in three South Australian private hospitals. DESIGN: An exploratory, qualitative design. METHODS: Four focus group interviews, each with five nurses from three private hospitals in South Australia, were conducted post-ethical approval. Qualitative data underwent manual thematic analysis using an inductive approach. RESULTS: Participants reported impacts on physical and mental health, unhealthy food habits, and social and work environment challenges associated with late-early shifts. These effects may be mitigated through interventions like extended breaks between shifts, reduced workload, and additional support. CONCLUSIONS: The late-early shift has detrimental effects on nurses' wellbeing. This led nurses to opt for casual work, practice "quiet quitting," or pursue nursing roles that accommodate their preferred shift schedules. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Research indicates that well-rested nurses provide quality patient care and improve health outcomes. Optimal scheduling and incentives play a vital role in enhancing nurses' health and retention of the nursing workforce. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This paper explicitly explores the experience of nurses working late-early shifts in private hospitals in South Australia. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.