Pros and Cons of Quick Returns: Nurses’ Perspectives
Summary
This cross-sectional survey of 96 Swedish nurses and nurse assistants examined experiences with quick returns (less than 11 hours of rest between evening and day shifts). The majority reported negative effects, including difficulty unwinding before sleep (76%), insufficient sleep (80%), and daytime fatigue (72%). About one-third (33%) perceived an increased risk of errors. However, participants also noted potential advantages: handover and planning the next day’s work were more often rated as easier after a quick return than after other shift sequences. Tolerance varied considerably, with some respondents reporting no ability to work quick returns without negative effects, while others indicated they could manage several per month.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This study illustrates how quick returns can shape both work processes and recovery. While some staff found that back-to-back shifts supported continuity of care and made handovers easier, the majority experienced reduced sleep and increased fatigue. These findings highlight the complex balance between organizational efficiency and individual recovery in shift scheduling. Understanding these trade-offs helps explain why certain schedules may feel beneficial in the short term but challenging for rest and long-term health.
Notes
Part of a broader quasi‑experimental intervention project.