The best way to combat universal fatigue among nurses might be to grant them more control over their schedules.
Almost all nurses, 98%, believe their job is physically and mentally demanding, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey of 257 registered nurses.
Although 93% said they love their work, the demands clearly take a toll. About 63% said their job has caused burnout. Many (83%) said that hospitals were losing nurses because other employers offered better work-life balance, and 90% had thought about leaving their job to find better work-life balance.
Fatigue is also linked to negative coping mechanisms. These include nurses driving home from work drowsy (56%), worrying their patients will suffer as a result of their fatigue (44%) and calling in sick to get rest (28%).
The solution may be as simple as allowing nurses control over their schedule. More than half surveyed said this is a top factor that would alleviate a significant amount of fatigue.
“This survey shows that it’s time to care for the caregivers,” said Susan Reese, DNP, MBA, RN, CPHIMS, director, healthcare practice group, Kronos.
From the July 03, 2017 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
