Effects of Labor Intensity and Fatigue on Sleep Quality of Clinical Nurses / 간호행정학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of labor intensity and fatigue on the sleep quality of clinical nurses and provide basic data for preparation of nursing interventions to improve sleep quality. METHODS: Data were collected from 198 nurses in 2 general hospitals with more than 500 beds in D-city. Data analysis was performed using stepwise regression with the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. RESULTS: The significant factors influencing sleep quality of the clinical nurses were fatigue, absolute labor intensity, and shift type. Explanatory power was 66% in the regression model. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that nurses with higher level of fatigue, and greater absolute labor intensity which implies extended work hours, had lower sleep quality for all the three shifts. To improve the sleep quality of clinical nurses, an intervention program for fatigue management is needed. In addition, hospitals should establish an internal legal standard to compensate overtime work with breaks. At the same time, as shift work is inevitable for nurses, it is necessary to develop a work system that can minimize the disturbance of daily rhythms.