Abstract
Background: Given the recent growth in the field of sleep research it is important to synthesise a focused and succinct review of findings related to the shift work model of nursing and the poor health outcomes associated with it.
Aim: The aim of this review is to explore the sleep-related health outcomes experienced by shift working nurses, classify what (specifically) those health outcomes are, and establish what can be done to mitigate the risks on an individual, institutional level.
Methodology: A Whittemore and Knafl (2005) integrative review approach, using Braun and Clarke's (2006) Thematic Analysis as a data analysis method was used. Two databases were utilised (CINAHL and EMcare (Ovid)). The search included articles written between 2011-2021, written or translated into the English language. Studies that meet the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Trends were identified, analysed, and recommendations for further research and/or possible policy implications were outlined.
Findings: It was found that shift work had a negative impact on the health of individual nurses, leading to chronic illness, increase frequency of short-term illness, poor sleep quality and habits, and maladaptive mental health outcomes.
Outcome: It was found that shift work is (generally) implemented poorly and the health of individual nurses could be better serviced through organizational changes, such as a constant system of scheduling, or a clockwise rotation to shifts. Furthermore, the nursing population would benefit from targeted education around the necessity of sleep and the proper implication of sleep hygiene.