Effects of nurses’ shiftwork characteristics and aspects of private life on work-life conflict

BACKGROUND: As nurses work highly irregular hours, the characteristics of shiftwork and aspects of their private lives are important factors that may contribute significantly to work-life conflict. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of nurses’ shiftwork characteristics and aspects of their private lives on work-life conflict. METHODS: The participants included 271 registered nurses working three-shift rotations in five types of units at four hospitals in South Korea. We distributed structured questionnaires regarding shiftwork characteristics, private life, and work-life conflict. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The significant factors relating to work-life conflict included control over shift start and finish times (β = -0.16, p = .019), frequency of swapping shifts with colleagues (β = 0.15, p = .025) among shiftwork characteristics, and leisure constraints (β = 0.39, p = < .001) in aspects of private life. CONCLUSION: Plan and policies for improving nursing environments should focus on improving nurses’ control over shiftwork and decreasing leisure constraints.