Sleep Pattern, Job Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Nurses on Rotating Shift and Daytime Fixed Work Schedules

Yoon, Jin Sang; Kook, Seung Hee; Lee, Hyung Young; Shin, Il Seon; Kim, Ahn Ja

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate(1)the differences in the sleep pattern, job satisfaction, the quality of life between the rotating shift work nurses and the nurses on a fixed day schedule and (2)the effects of the individual(circadian rhythm and personality)and the work system factors on the job satisfaction and the quality of life.
METHODS
Sleep Questionnaire, Korean translation of Composite Scale(KtCS) Job Satisfaction Index, General Health Questionnaire, Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire were administered to 85 rotating shift work nurses(the rotating group)and 70 nurses on a fixed day schedule(the daytime group) We compared the weekday sleep pattern, the frequency of sleep disorders during the last month, circadian rhythm patterns, job satisfaction, and the quality of life between the two groups. Also, we conducted the stepwise multiple regression analysis, where the independent variables were circadian rhythm, work schedule, extroversion, and neurotism and the dependent variables were the job satisfaction and the quality of life.
RESULTS
Between the two groups, there were significant differences in the sleep pattern including the regularity of sleep and the frequency and duration of naps. The rotating group had more frequent sleep problems, poorer job satisfaction and quality of life as compared with the daytime group. The job satisfaction and quality of life were poorer in the nurses who were on a rotating shift work schedule and who had higher neurotic trend. On contrary, The job satisfaction and the quality of life were better in those who were on a fixed daytime shift work schedule and who had more an extroversive trend. However, the circadian rhythm had no significant effect on the job satisfaction and quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS
The sleep pattern, job satisfaction, and the quality of life were significantly poorer in the rotating group than in the daytime group, as expected. In terms of individual factors which determine the job satisfaction and quality of life, the personality dimensions had a significant effect, whereas the circadian rhythm did not. These results suggest that the circadian rhythms of shift workers may be realigned and that personality characteristics may be an important factor in coping with shift work.