Presenter Classification
Undergraduate Student
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Start Date
22-4-2026 2:30 PM
End Date
22-4-2026 3:00 PM
Keywords
registered nurse, patient outcome, shift length
Abstract Type
Scientific Literature Review
Abstract
This project analyzes the effect that registered nurse's shift length has on patient outcomes and quality of care. The research specifically explores a well-debated healthcare issue; are 12-hour shifts associated with poor patient care due to fatigue? By comparing errors made in 12-hour and 8-hour shift lengths of registered nurses, it can be determined if a trend can be seen in declining patient care. Not only will this research shed light on nurses' fatigue and burnout, but it will also showcase the patient dangers associated with overworking. Overall, the goal is to bring awareness using statistical data that explains why it would be safer across the board (both staff and patient) to keep shifts no longer than eight hours. The collected research includes analyzing evidence-based practice projects, peer-reviewed research, and cohort studies that draw arguments about shift length from their own trials. After reviewing, it was concluded that 12-hour shift lengths do show a decrease in quality of nursing care, including medication errors, sentinel events, loss of empathy, decreased critical thinking, and diminished reaction time (The Joint Commission, 2011). Not only are these findings significant to the image of nursing, but they also show that the patients themselves are put in danger by long shift hours.
PowerPoint Version
Included in
Does Time Matter? Comparing 8- and 12-Hour Registered Nurse Shifts.
This project analyzes the effect that registered nurse's shift length has on patient outcomes and quality of care. The research specifically explores a well-debated healthcare issue; are 12-hour shifts associated with poor patient care due to fatigue? By comparing errors made in 12-hour and 8-hour shift lengths of registered nurses, it can be determined if a trend can be seen in declining patient care. Not only will this research shed light on nurses' fatigue and burnout, but it will also showcase the patient dangers associated with overworking. Overall, the goal is to bring awareness using statistical data that explains why it would be safer across the board (both staff and patient) to keep shifts no longer than eight hours. The collected research includes analyzing evidence-based practice projects, peer-reviewed research, and cohort studies that draw arguments about shift length from their own trials. After reviewing, it was concluded that 12-hour shift lengths do show a decrease in quality of nursing care, including medication errors, sentinel events, loss of empathy, decreased critical thinking, and diminished reaction time (The Joint Commission, 2011). Not only are these findings significant to the image of nursing, but they also show that the patients themselves are put in danger by long shift hours.
