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The Impact of 12-Hour and 8-Hour Shifts on Patient Outcomes in Nursing Care
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The Impact of 12-Hour and 8-Hour Shifts on Patient Outcomes in Nursing Care

Elijah Anderson, Kamaria Siler, Sincere Underwood and Joseph Bezwiechin
Integration of Evidence in Professional Nursing Practice Research Presentations, Research presentations (University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, 11/2025)
11/2025

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Abstract

Shift length is a pivotal factor influencing nurse performance, patient safety, and quality of care. Research has shown that longer shifts, particularly those exceeding 12 hours, are associated with increased fatigue, cognitive impairment, and higher rates of adverse events (Battle & Temblett, 2018; Hussien et al., 2025; Varghese et al., 2023). While 12-hour shifts are commonly implemented to improve staffing efficiency and continuity of care, studies suggest they may compromise both nurse well-being and patient outcomes due to reduced recovery time, increased burnout, and greater likelihood of medical errors. Conversely, 8-hour shifts may support better nurse recovery, sustained vigilance, and lower fatigue-related errors, though they may require more handovers, which can introduce communication risks and disrupt continuity (Webster et al., 2019). Understanding the comparative effects of 12-hour versus 8-hour shifts is essential to inform evidence-based staffing models that balance operational needs with the safety, satisfaction, and long-term health of both patients and nursing staff.
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