Scheduling Practices of Acute Care RN’s and Nurse Fatigue: Assessment and Development of an Educational Program for Nurse Managers

PURPOSE: The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based organizational fatigue climate assessment to understand the current culture as it relates to nurse fatigue. This study includes the use of a fatigue measurement scale and the development of a fatigue reduction educational program for nurse managers. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey design, data assessing organizational climate and actual fatigue levels among nurses employed at Saint Joseph East Hospital was obtained through an electronic questionnaire. Results were used to create a workplace fatigue educational program for nurse managers. The target sample consisted of 361 acute-care registered nurses for a survey period from January 2018 to February 2018. RESULTS: Of 361 nurses, only 41 responded to the survey; and 31 (8.6%) had completed data. Substantial and extreme fatigue was identified in the majority of respondents. No association between fatigue and both nurse and employer characteristics was distinguished. Participants reported various lifestyle characteristics that are associated with fatigue and rest such as sleep, exercise, medications, and commute time. Additionally, respondents reported employer and scheduling characteristics that affected fatigue such as overtime, shift rotations, number of shifts and rest/meal breaks. CONCLUSION: Nurses and employers must work collaboratively to implement fatigue reduction policies and garner a culture that supports prudent anti-fatigue practices. A cultural assessment and subsequent nurse manager training may be effective methods in which to begin an organizational anti-fatigue plan. By designing and promoting comprehensive personal and workplace strategies to increase rest and sleep, individuals and organizations can reduce nurse fatigue and mitigate its associated risks