J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2023 Dec;29(3):223-237. 10.22650/JKCNR.2023.29.3.223.

The Effects of a Shift Improvement Pilot Project on Nurses' Shift Adjustment, Work-Life Balance, and Turnover Intention: A Mixed-Methods Study

• Choi SJ
• Kim MS
• Jeon MK
• Choi JJ
• Son SY
• Kim EH

• KMID: 2551428
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2023.29.3.223

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the impact of a nurse shift improvement pilot project on nurses' shift adjustment, work-life balance, and turnover intention, as well as nurses' experiences of participating in the pilot project.
Methods
An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was performed. Survey data was collected from a total of 1,051 nurses both in participant and non-participant groups. For the qualitative study, focus group interviews were conducted with 22 nurses who participated in the shift improvement pilot, including 12 staff nurses, 7 nurse managers, and 3 substitute nurses.
Results
There were significant positive effects on the key variables of nurses’ shift adjustment, work-life balance, and turnover intention in the group that participated in the nurse shift improvement pilot project. Based on the qualitative study, participants in the shift improvement pilot project indicated that it enabled nurses to recover their circadian rhythm, and achieve a better work-life balance, and they wanted to continue working as a nurse, and hoped expanded application of the pilot project.
Conclusion
In order for expanded implementation of the pilot project and continued improvement in the shift system, we recommend establishing compensation standard, systematizing the use of substitute nurses, developing guidelines for shift schedules, and expanding the shift improvement pilot project to other departments such as the emergency room.

Keyword

Shift Work Schedule; Sleep Disorders; Circadian Rhythm; Work Life Balance; Employee Turnover; Nurses