Night shifts, overtime linked to injury in new RNs

Studies have documented the disproportionate number of occupational injuries that occur in nurses, notably needle sticks and musculoskeletal injuries.

Research suggests that inexperienced or newly licensed nurses may have an increased risk for occupational injuries. However, the current knowledge base is insufficient to fully understand how work hours influence injuries.

The objective of this study from New York University College of Nursing, New York City, and the University of Buffalo School of Nursing was to describe new RN shift characteristics and determine the association between shift type and scheduling characteristics and injury.

Of 1,744 new RNs included in the study, 79% worked 12-hour shifts, 44% worked the night shift, and 61% worked overtime (mandatory and voluntary) weekly.

Nurses working weekly overtime were associated with a 32% increase in the risk of needle sticks. Those working night shifts correlated with a 16% increase in the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

The researchers concluded that night shifts and overtime were significantly associated with increased risk for injury in new RNs.

—Stimpfel A W, Brewer C S, Kovner C T. Scheduling and shift work characteristics associated with risk for occupational injury in newly licensed registered nurses: An observational study. Int J Nurs Stud. Published online June 29, 2015.

http://www.journalofnursingstudies.com/article/S0020-7489(15)00205-9/abstract