Implementing a Fatigue Countermeasures Program for Nurses

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the structural, organizational, and environmental factors associated with the implementation a fatigue countermeasures program for nurses (FCMPN). BACKGROUND: The industrial sector has developed fatigue management programs to improve safety for employees and customers. However, fatigue management programs have not been developed for nurses. METHODS: The oral descriptions of 46 staff nurses and 8 nurse managers participating in an FCMPN were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed. RESULTS: Staff nurses identified awareness, restfulness, and lifestyle control as FCMPN benefits, whereas challenges included work culture, physical environment, and emotional turmoil. Nurse managers perceived ease of program implementation, employee-employer partnerships, and research engagement as benefits. Challenges included lack of support, nursing/organizational culture, and dissonance in staff levels and organizational policies. CONCLUSION: Although FCMPNs are feasible and sustainable in healthcare, a paradigm shift may be needed for a robust implementation of an effective FCMPN that improves patient safety.

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