The effects of fatigue on worker performance are well documented in the literature. In recent years, increased attention has been given specifically to the effects of fatigue on nurses and the ensuing impact on patient safety that results. The evidence is clear: there is a well-documented relationship between nurse fatigue and an increased risk of nurse error leading to a concern for patient care and safety.
In a landmark study of working hours of nurses and patient safety, researchers found the risks of making an error were significantly increased when work shifts were longer than 12 hours, when nurses worked overtime, or when they worked more than 40 hours per week. The ...