Ambulatory Oncology Nurses Weigh in About 12-Hour Shifts.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies conducted in hospital settings have associated negative clinical outcomes with 12-hour shifts. Despite this, 12-hour shifts are common in nursing and popular among nurses. Little is known about outcomes associated with 12-hour shifts in ambulatory care settings. OBJECTIVE: A mixed-methods, quality improvement project was conducted in a large, ambulatory cancer center to evaluate oncology nursing staff perspectives on 12-hour shift work. METHODS: One hundred ambulatory oncology nurses completed surveys and 11 participated in focus group interviews. FINDINGS: Nurses expressed predominately positive perspectives about 12-hour shift work in ambulatory oncology care. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory oncology nurses perceived benefits to quality, safety, and satisfaction for both nurses and patients related to 12-hour shifts. Further evaluation of patient, nurse, and organizational outcomes unique to ambulatory settings is essential for nurse executives in formulating data-driven staffing plans. The incorporation of 12-hour shifts should be considered.