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Shift patterns: survey wants nurses’ views on what works for them

Researchers hope results will provide detailed picture of shift lengths and preferences

Researchers hope results will provide detailed picture of shift lengths and preferences

New survey can be completed online. Picture: iStock

Nurses are being urged to complete a survey about what shift patterns work best for them, as part of research conducted by the University of Southampton.

The survey is open to NHS and non-NHS nurses and hopes to provide a detailed picture of working patterns in acute, community and mental health hospitals.

Survey aims to learn what nurses want from shift patterns

Lead researcher and lecturer in nursing workforce Chiara Dall’Ora said: ‘The aim is to understand much more about nurses’ experiences, preferences and any constraints when it comes to choosing work or shift patterns.

‘If we want to change and improve shifts patterns for nurses we really do need to understand what works for them.’

New research will deepen understanding gained in previous survey

The research builds on a joint survey by the University of Southampton and Nursing Standard, which was conducted from November to December last year using the Survey Monkey online survey website. This attracted 2,198 respondents, of which 808 said they had no say in their shift patterns.

Around a quarter of those who took part in the survey (523 respondents) said they were not satisfied with their work/life balance, and almost half (1,005) said they worked shifts of 12 hours or longer, although many would have preferred not to.

Collating information on nurses’ preferences

Chiara Dall’Ora

‘The survey with Nursing Standard was a great way to get a sense of what shift length nurses work, as well as some information about preferences. But this new survey is much more extensive and will hopefully give a bigger, more detailed picture,’ said Dr Dall’Ora.

‘We keep hearing anecdotal reports that nurses prefer 12-hour shifts – but is it really true? Because the data is telling us something different or a bit more complex.’

Deadline to complete survey

The anonymous online survey is open until 10 August and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

It is primarily aimed at registered nurses, healthcare assistants, nursing associates and nursing associate trainees working in England, but those in other UK nations are also welcome to take part.

Dr Dall’Ora said she hoped the findings would be published by the end of this year.


Take part in the survey

Nursing shift patterns: your views, experiences, preferences


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