Examining the Consequences of Night Shifts on Job Satisfaction and Quality of Life (QoL) Among Palestinian Nurses
Shouli MM
Published on: 2025-08-23
Abstract
Introduction: Night shift work is known to adversely affect nurses' physical health, psychological well-being, and social life, all of which contribute to decreased quality of life and job satisfaction. In Palestine, limited healthcare resources and high job demands may intensify these effects among nurses.
Objective: To examine the impact of night shift work on the quality of life and job satisfaction among nurses working in governmental and non-governmental hospitals in Palestine.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 385 nurses from the West Bank. Data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire covering physical health, psychological and social well-being, job satisfaction, and work environment. Purposive sampling was used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA.
Results: The study found that 66.3% of nurses experienced sleep disturbances, 81.9% reported increased fatigue, and 88.9% noted negative health effects due to night shifts. Social life disruptions were reported by 88.1%, and 73.3% experienced negative emotional states. While overall job satisfaction ranged from moderate to high, dissatisfaction was specifically expressed regarding salary, recognition, and promotion opportunities. Quality of life and job satisfaction were significantly associated with hospital type, nurse age, and sleep duration.
Conclusion: Night shift work significantly impairs nurses' quality of life and job satisfaction. Implementing strategies such as adequate staffing, fair compensation, and supportive work environments is essential to improve nurses’ well-being and job performance.
Keywords
Night shift; Quality of life; Job satisfaction; Nurses; Palestine; Sleep disturbanceIntroduction
Nursing is an essential component of the healthcare system, providing continuous care and support to patients around the clock. However, working night shifts places considerable physical, emotional, and psychological demands on nurses. Night shift work is associated with disrupted sleep, chronic fatigue, and social isolation, negatively impacting nurses’ quality of life (QoL) and job satisfaction [1,2]. These challenges are particularly pronounced in Palestine, where nurses operate under resource constraints, high workloads, and stressful working conditions.
Although previous studies have examined the effects of night shifts on nurses’ mental health and job satisfaction, there remains a lack of comprehensive research exploring how night shifts affect both QoL and job satisfaction among Palestinian nurses. Evidence suggests that night-shift nurses’ struggle with balancing personal and professional demands, which contributes to increased burnout, reduced job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates [3, 4].
The problem addressed in this study centers on how night shifts contribute to physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and social difficulties, which together undermine nurses’ well- being in Palestine. These challenges are exacerbated by economic and social pressures unique to the region, including cultural expectations and limited stress-relief opportunities [2]. Consequently, it is vital to explore how night shifts affect nurses' QoL and job satisfaction to inform targeted interventions.
This study is significant because it highlights the often-overlooked consequences of night shift work on nurses’ health and workplace satisfaction. The findings can inform healthcare administrators and policymakers in Palestine to develop strategies that foster healthier work environments, improve nurse retention, and enhance the quality of patient care [5]. Addressing these issues is critical for sustaining healthcare services in resource-limited settings.
The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of night shift work on Palestinian nurses’ QoL and job satisfaction. It aims to assess how night shifts are managed, measure nurses’ QoL and job satisfaction levels, and examine the relationship between these factors. The results will provide evidence to guide policies improving nurse well-being and healthcare system resilience.
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