Learning Objective #1: Discuss results from scientific literature regarding length of shift and hours worked on cognitive functioning and work performance.

Learning Objective #2: Discuss the effects of congition and attention skills of RNs following work shifts of 8, 12 and 16 hours.

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The profession of nursing is in the midst of a period of rapid growth and role development while also experiencing a profound shortage of nurses. More hospitals are being faced with demands for alternative staffing options and other types of creative scheduling.

Review of the literature reveals limited objective data that examines cognitive functioning and attention skills of nurses working extended hours. Therefore, two important research questions arose: 1) Do registered nurses function at a higher cognitive level after working an 8-hour shift than after a 12-hour shift; and 2) Do registered nurses function at a higher cognitive level after working a 12-hour shift than after a 16-hour shift?

This study consisted of a convenience sample of 60 registered nurses employed at a pediatric hospital in the southeastern United States. Subjects were administered the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) prior to and immediately after working one of the aforementioned shifts. Data were analyzed utilizing paired t-tests and ANOVA to determine any decline in attention span or cognition among the shifts. Results failed to support any statistically significant deterioration in cognition and in most instances, actual improvement occurred in almost all post-testing trials, but do not indicate that attention skills were vastly improved. A follow-up study is underway (planning stage) to ascertain cognitive functioning and attention skills or registered nurses following several consecutive shifts of 8 and 12-hours.