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| Author | Deborah Maria Pace |
| Abstract | In view of the increased focus on efficient utilisation of human resources, and the several likely changes in hospital management in the near future, this study sought to explore nursing staff's attitudes towards possible changes in their work schedules, and also to assess their satisfaction with the work schedules currently worked. The study also investigated nurses work schedule preferences and factors which influence implementation of alternative work schedules. A descriptive exploratory research design was chosen as the data collection method. A self-administered questionnaire, devised by the researcher was used to collect data from 148 randomly selected full-time nurses working on several rosters in inpatient wards at St. Luke's Hospital. Reliability and validity testing of the tool was carried out. An interview schedule was also devised, based on the questionnaire, and used to interview 17 ward managers. Analysis of results was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Results show that overall nurses are satisfied with features of current work schedule including the 12-hour shifts and the fixed shift pattern. The study revealed, however that nurses working the Day/Day/Night/Rest/Off roster are the least satisfied due to the two 12hour consecutive day system and wished to work a different roster. The most popular shift pattern amongst nurses was the Day/Night/Rest/Off roster. The study also reveals a general positive attitude amongst nurses towards decentralisation of nurse scheduling but some differences in attitudes towards flexible shift patterns. Ward managers on the other hand had positive attitudes towards flexible shift patterns. Results indicate that given a choice, nurses' shift preference would be influenced by their family commitments, social life and their health. Also the three factors identified by both nurses and ward managers as the most influential factors in implementation of new rosters were nurses' participation in decision to implement a new roster, amount of information supplied to nurses and nurses' opinions about the new roster. The main recommendations which could emerge from this research study are a change in the DDNRO roster possibly to one which allows a longer rest period between day duties. A move towards decentralisation of nurse scheduling closer to a ward level is also recommended. This could help achieve more efficient utilization of nursing resources as better staffing decisions are taken. The introduction of flexible work practices is also recommended as these allow individual employee preferences to be taken into account, whilst allowing the matching of staff numbers with demand. Change agents, however need to work on nurses' opinions first considering their attitudes towards flexible shift patterns. |
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| Key words | Health Services Management, Thesis, Work Schedules, Nurses |