The Health Effects of Night-Shift Nursing on New Graduates

Publication Date

Spring 3-27-2025

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing

Department

Nursing, School of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Advisor

Linda Wofford

SPARK Session

10:15-11:45: Undergraduate CHANGE Projects

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

The purpose of this project is to address the ongoing health issues seen amongst night shift nurses. The literature continues to show an increasing number of physiologic and psychologic health effects on these nurses. Cardiovascular disease, glucose intolerance, stroke, cognitive decline, hypertension, and diabetes are just a few of the physiological risk factors that are higher amongst night shift nurses when compared to day shift nurses (Cheng et al., 2021). Circadian rhythms continue to be disrupted, increased cortisol levels are noted, and growing numbers of stress and anxiety are being reported (Ljevak et al., 2022). These health issues are affecting these healthcare hero’s quality of life, leading to the urgent need of addressing these health effects. Our goal is to implement sleep and stress education, provide exercise and mindfulness practices through yoga memberships and nurse-led activity clubs that can provide outlets for night shift nurses to practice healthy habits during their shift, and outside of work. With a detailed implementation and sustainability plan in place, we expect the implementation of education and exercise programs to improve nurses' quality of life and reduce the risks of negative physiologic and psychologic health effects.

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