Overtime and alertness of rotating‐shift nurses: An observational study using ecological momentary assessment

Abstract

Aims and objectives This study aimed to determine the effect of overtime on alertness at work among rotating-shift nurses in South Korea and to investigate whether these effects of overtime vary across the different types of shifts. Background Nurse overtime is prevalent in healthcare settings to manage nursing shortages and staffing needs; however, it negatively affects patient and nurse outcomes. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the effects of previous overtime shifts and overtime for consecutive shifts on alertness during work. Design A prospective observational study was employed. The study followed STROBE checklist for observational studies. Methods Data were collected between June 2019 and February 2020 from 82 nurses who worked in acute care hospitals. An ecological momentary assessment was used to capture real-time data of overtime and alertness. Alertness scores were estimated using the sleep/wake data measured by an actigraph. Mixed-effect models were employed to investigate the association between overtime and alertness. Results A majority of the shift nurses worked overtime. Episodes of a decline in alertness scores to the level of increased accident or serious error risk (alertness score ≤80) were most frequently seen during night shifts (98.9%), followed by day (59.8%) and evening shifts (10.1%). Previous-day overtime hours and consecutive overtime days were associated with decreased alertness scores during work. A significantly positive correlation was observed between alertness scores ≤80 and previous-day overtime hours and consecutive overtime days in all shifts. Conclusions The study findings indicate that a majority of nurses who work overtime experience decreased alertness while on duty. Relevance to clinical practice Policy development at the government, organisational and unit level is needed to guarantee adequate rest for shift nurses by adjusting work schedules and assignments and limiting overtime.