Impact of night shift rotations on nursing performance and patient safety: A cross-sectional study

Aim: Hospitals operate on a 24-hr basis, with shiftwork being unavoidable for most
nurses. This study aims to explore the impact of night shiftwork rotations on nurses'
physiological status, work performance and patient safety concerns among nurses in
public hospitals.
Design: A descriptive predictive correlational design using a self-administered
questionnaire.
Methods: Electronic and printable survey questionnaires were distrusted among
nurses working in public hospitals in multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. The study
recruited 1,256 nurses from different nationalities, hospital work units and work
experience.
Results: A large proportion of nurses on night shiftwork encountered patient safety
issues (85.7%) and physiological consequences (93.6%). Counselling sessions and
programmes to support at-risk nurses are recommended.