A qualitative study on effects of working unsocial hours

Crew, Suzanne MSc, BSc, RGN

Suzanne Crew, MSc, BSc, RGN, is orthopaedic night sister, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust.

This article has been double-blind peer-reviewed.

For related articles on this subject and links to relevant websites see www.nursingtimes.net

Nursing Times 102(23):p 30-33, June 6, 2006.

Aim

To look at the perceived effects of working unsocial hours.

Method

Six people who worked unsocial hours were sent a questionnaire using open and closed questions, and then interviewed using a semi-structured interview technique. Qualitative analysis of the transcripts of these interviews was performed using a content analysis approach within a framework.

Results

The analysis revealed that although there were some positive effects of working unsocial hours, there were more negative effects. Analysis also demonstrated that all the participants had concerns about working unsocial hours. There was agreement from all the participants about the effects of working these hours, except on one point relating to planning where there was a difference of opinion between two people.

Conclusion

While there are some positive effects, the negative effects and concerns relating to working unsocial hours far outweigh them. Although some people prefer to work these hours, the majority of the individuals who took part in this small study expressed a preference for working during the day.