The Impact of Shift Work on Nurses' Psychological Health: A Review

This literature review investigates the effects of shift work on the psychological health of nurses. The review analyzed multiple studies to assess the impact of shift patterns, including night and rotating shifts, on nurses' mental well-being. The search strategy included databases such as EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, and Psych INFO, resulting in the selection of 12 relevant research studies. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: the complex relationship between shift work and depression, the impact of shift work on psychological well-being and work performance, and the effects of shift work on nurses' coping skills, personality traits, and overall quality of life. The findings highlight that while shift work can lead to increased psychological burden, it does not solely predict depression risk, and that poor sleep quality and the duration of shifts play a significant role. The review concludes that shift work has a demonstrable effect on mental health, and recommends that clinical managers revise shift work patterns and implement programs that help nurses with sleep hygiene and effective coping strategies. The review also includes a systematic review protocol and detailed appendices, providing a comprehensive overview of the research methodology and findings.