J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2024 Dec;30(3):233-243. 10.22650/JKCNR.2024.30.3.233.

Changes of the Fatigue Recovery Experience, Work Life Balance, and Retention Intention at Work among Nurses of Fixed Night Shifts: One Group Pretest-Posttest Design

• Kwon KW
• Kim SM
• Kim HJ
• Ok JS

• KMID: 2567665
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2024.30.3.233

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare the positive outcomes of fixed night shift, such as fatigue recovery experiences, work-life balance, and retention intentions, among nurses who had experienced both rotating shifts and fixed night shift.
Methods
A single-cohort pre-post study design was used to compare the fatigue recovery experience, work-life balance, and retention intentions of nurses who have experienced fixed night shift. The study included 59 nurses working at a single university hospital in Seoul from September 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA, paired t-test using the R statistical program.
Results
The results revealed that acute and chronic fatigue levels decreased among nurses of night shifts during fatigue recovery assessment. However, the inter-shift recovery score did not improve, indicating that nurses' fatigue recovery was insufficient. Work-life balance scores increased, particularly in the area of work-leisure balance. Retention intention also improved among nurses of fixed night shift, but this was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, the successful establishment of a fixed night shift system will reduce the turnover rate of the next generation of nurses and create a medical environment where nurses can spend more time on direct patient nursing care. Furthermore, we hope to improve the quality of life of nurses and improve the health outcomes of patients.

Keyword

Nurses; Recovery; Work Life Balance