Surreal illustration of nurse silhouette with clock gears symbolizing the impact of shift length on health

Are 12-Hour Nursing Shifts Putting Patients and Nurses at Risk?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals the hidden dangers of long shifts and the importance of balanced nurse scheduling for quality care."

In the demanding world of healthcare, hospitals are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and manage costs. One common strategy has been the adoption of 12-hour shifts for nursing staff. The intention is clear: streamline operations, reduce shift overlaps, and provide consistent patient care. However, emerging research suggests that this approach might be a double-edged sword, potentially compromising both patient safety and the well-being of nurses.

A recent study published in the Journal of Nursing Management sheds light on the potential downsides of long nursing shifts. Researchers investigated the correlation between 12-hour shifts and sickness absence among nurses and healthcare assistants. The findings raise concerns about the sustainability and overall impact of these extended work periods.

As healthcare systems grapple with staffing shortages and financial pressures, it's crucial to examine the less obvious consequences of decisions made at the administrative level. Let's delve into this research and explore the critical balance between efficiency and quality in nursing care.

The Hidden Costs of 12-Hour Shifts: What the Research Reveals

Surreal illustration of nurse silhouette with clock gears symbolizing the impact of shift length on health

The study, led by Chiara Dall'Ora and colleagues, analyzed data from over 600,000 shifts worked by nearly 2,000 nurses and healthcare assistants across 32 general inpatient wards in an acute hospital in England. The research team examined the relationship between shift patterns and subsequent sickness absence, categorizing absences as short-term (less than 7 days) or long-term (7 days or more).

The results indicated a significant association between working long shifts and increased sickness absence. Specifically, when more than 75% of shifts worked in the past 7 days were 12 hours in length, the odds of both short-term and long-term sickness episodes increased. Here's a breakdown of the key findings:

Increased Odds of Sickness: Nurses working predominantly 12-hour shifts had a higher likelihood of both short-term and long-term sickness absences.
Impact on Absence Length: The study distinguished between short-term and long-term absences, suggesting different underlying factors related to health and well-being.
Objective Data: Unlike previous studies relying on self-reported data, this research used routinely collected data, providing a more objective assessment of sickness absence.

These findings suggest that while 12-hour shifts might seem like an efficient solution, they could inadvertently lead to increased staff absences, potentially offsetting any cost savings. The implications for nursing management are significant, highlighting the need to carefully consider the impact of shift scheduling on staff health and productivity.

Re-evaluating Shift Patterns: Balancing Efficiency and Nurse Well-being

The study underscores the importance of creating work environments that support the health and well-being of nurses. While 12-hour shifts may offer some advantages in terms of scheduling flexibility and reduced shift overlaps, healthcare administrators must carefully weigh these benefits against the potential for increased sickness absence and decreased productivity. Implementing strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of long shifts, such as ensuring adequate rest breaks, managing workload, and promoting a supportive work culture, could help to create a healthier and more sustainable nursing workforce. Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance that promotes both efficiency and the delivery of high-quality patient care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/jonm.12643, Alternate LINK

Title: Are Long Nursing Shifts On Hospital Wards Associated With Sickness Absence? A Longitudinal Retrospective Observational Study

Subject: Leadership and Management

Journal: Journal of Nursing Management

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Chiara Dall’Ora, Jane Ball, Oliver Redfern, Alejandra Recio-Saucedo, Antonello Maruotti, Paul Meredith, Peter Griffiths

Published: 2018-07-05

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary reasons hospitals implement 12-hour nursing shifts?

Hospitals often adopt 12-hour shifts to streamline operations, reduce shift overlaps, and ensure consistent patient care. The goal is to improve efficiency and manage costs by optimizing nurse scheduling. However, the effectiveness of this approach is now being questioned due to potential impacts on nurse well-being and patient safety. This initiative does not cover the emotional and physical implications of such long hours, including elements such as exhaustion and mental acuity.

How does working 12-hour shifts correlate with nurse sickness absence, according to research?

A study in the Journal of Nursing Management by Chiara Dall'Ora and colleagues found a significant association between 12-hour shifts and increased sickness absence among nurses and healthcare assistants. Specifically, when nurses worked predominantly 12-hour shifts (more than 75% of shifts in the past 7 days), the odds of both short-term and long-term sickness episodes increased. This suggests that long shifts may negatively impact nurse health, leading to more frequent absences. Future investigations are needed to understand why the sickness absence results.

What is the significance of the study differentiating between short-term and long-term sickness absences related to 12-hour shifts?

The distinction between short-term and long-term absences in the study is crucial because it suggests different underlying factors related to nurse health and well-being. Short-term absences might be related to immediate fatigue or minor illnesses exacerbated by long shifts, while long-term absences could indicate more chronic health issues resulting from sustained stress and exhaustion due to extended work periods. Understanding these differences is important for developing targeted interventions to support nurse health. This analysis does not address the nature or cause of the issues.

What are the potential implications of increased nurse sickness absence due to 12-hour shifts for patient care?

Increased nurse sickness absence due to 12-hour shifts can negatively affect patient care in several ways. It can lead to staffing shortages, increased workload for remaining nurses, and potential compromises in the quality and consistency of care provided. Staffing shortages also increase the workload for remaining nurses on duty. Overworked nurses are more prone to errors and may have less time to dedicate to individual patient needs, potentially impacting patient safety and outcomes. This does not take into account the other possible impacts to care for all participants.

Beyond just scheduling, what other strategies can healthcare administrators implement to mitigate the negative impacts of 12-hour shifts on nurses?

Besides scheduling adjustments, healthcare administrators can implement several strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of 12-hour shifts. These include ensuring adequate rest breaks during shifts, managing workload to prevent burnout, and promoting a supportive work culture where nurses feel valued and cared for. Additionally, providing access to resources such as counseling services, stress management programs, and opportunities for professional development can help support nurse well-being. Prioritizing nurse health can lead to a more sustainable and productive workforce. Other elements of analysis can be explored such as environmental work condtions and management structure.