Analysis
Overtime in nursing: saying no and prioritising work-life balance
Most nurses work beyond their hours, often unpaid, but relying on staff goodwill to cover staff shortages is damaging for retention, well-being and care quality
Most nurses work beyond their hours, often unpaid, but relying on staff goodwill to cover staff shortages is damaging for retention, well-being and care quality
- Long hours, fatigue and lack of rest breaks or time to recuperate between shifts are associated with an increased risk of errors, says the RCN
- In its annual survey, only four out of ten nurses said they have a good work-life balance
- A resolution at next month’s RCN congress will call for an investigation into the effect of working extra hours on nurses’ health and well-being
Nurses working longer than their set hours is not a problem for only a minority – it is the norm.
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