RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The use of 12-h shifts for nursing staff has become common in many healthcare settings, including tertiary hospitals, due to its potential benefits such as reduced handover time and increased continuity of care. However, there is limited research on the experiences of nurses working 12-h shifts, particularly in the context of Qatar, where the healthcare system and nursing workforce may have unique characteristics and challenges. This study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses working 12-h shifts in a tertiary hospital in Qatar, including their perceptions of physical health, fatigue, stress, job satisfaction, service quality, and patient safety. METHODS: A mixed method study design was applied consisting of a survey and semi-structured interviews. Data was collected from 350 nurses through an online survey and from 11 nurses through semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test and the difference between demographic variables and scores were examined using Whitney U test and Kruskal- Wallis test. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative interviews. RESULTS: The results from quantitative study revealed nurses perception in working 12-h shift has negative impact in their wellbeing, satisfaction as well as patient care outcomes. Thematic analysis revealed real stress and burnout and experienced an enormous amount of pressure going for work. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides an understanding of the nurse's experience working 12-h shift in a tertiary level hospital in Qatar. A mixed method approach informed us that, nurses are not satisfied with the 12-h shift and interviews revealed high level of stress and burnout among nurses resulting in job dissatisfaction and negative health concerns. Nurses also reported that it is challenging to stay productive and focused throughout their new shift pattern.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The role of preceptors is vital in the successful integration of new graduate nurses in hospital settings. This study aimed to explore the experiences of nurse preceptors in training newly joined nurses in Qatar. METHODS: Qualitative study was conducted between May 2022 and May 2023. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted through MS Teams with 13 nurse preceptors who had completed preceptorship training and trained at least one newly joined nurse. Participants were recruited until data saturation was obtained and data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed several main themes: teaching strategies and progressive skill development in preceptorship, challenges faced by the preceptor and preceptor better supported in training new nurses. The preceptors utilized different techniques to support new nurses including demonstration, discussion, use of technology, application of real-life clinical scenarios, simulations, and a gradual decrease in supervision to promote independence. However, a significant challenge was also reported including preceptors experienced high levels of exhaustion from the dual responsibilities of training new staff while also performing their regular care duties. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the fundamental role preceptors play in the training and development of newly joined nurses. While the challenges are considerable, particularly related to managing workload, the sense of achievement following the successful completion of training a new nurse suggests a strong commitment to this role. Despite the challenges, preceptors demonstrated innovative strategies to ensure the successful development of their preceptees, highlighting the importance of preceptorship in nursing education and practice.