Feature Article
A study of female nurses combining partner and parent roles with working a continuous three-shift roster: The impact on sleep, fatigue and stress
Gemma Clissold
School of Management, Faculty of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, QLD
Peter Smith
Professor of Management, Central Queensland University, QLD
Bruce Acutt
Head, School of Management, Faculty of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, QLD
Lee Di Milia
Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Faculty of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, QLD
PP: 294
Abstract
This study of female nurses working a continuous 3-shift roster found that the average sleep duration per 24-hours across the roster is almost one hour less for nurses who combine shiftwork, partner and parent roles. In particular, they are not free to use the later starting afternoon shift as an opportunity to repay the sleep debt incurred on night shift. The results show an interaction between work and family roles resulting in chronic fatigue that is a risk factor especially when combined with the acute fatigue associated with night work. The sleep record data is supported by interview data which highlight shiftwork as a stressor that reduces the opportunity for participation in social and leisure activities by all three of the groups studied: single, partnered and partnered with children. The strain of shiftwork on personal and social relationships reduces the resources available for coping with the emotional and physical stressors encountered by nurses in their work and family roles.
Keywords
fatigue, sleep, stress, coping, shiftwork, partner, parent, nurses, relationships, duty of care, labour flexibility
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