Night Nurses: Why Do You Work Nights?

RaeT,RN · Oct 12, 2005

Dear Nursing Colleagues:
We are currently enrolled as graduate students at the University of St. Francis in the Health Services Administration program. As part of the requirement for the completion of this program, we must complete a survey project applicable to the healthcare environment. We are asking for your volunteer participation in a simple survey. The purpose of this survey will be to determine why nurses work nights. The results of the survey are anonymous. There will be no connection between you and the data you provide. There is no risk to your participation. Thank you very much for your participation in this survey.
Sincerely
C. Guelbert R.N.
A. Hornbogen R.N.
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On Line Survey
The purpose of this online survey is to determine why healthcare workers choose to work the night shift at their place of employment.
1) I AM:
a. Female
2) I AM A:
a. Registered Nurse (RN)

3) MY AGE:
a. 21-30

4) I WORK:
a. Full-time

6) I WORK the majority of my night shifts on the following shift:
a. 7 PM to 7 AM (12 hour nights)
7) I HAVE BEEN WORKING NIGHTS:
a. 0-2 years

8) If you work the majority of your shifts on nights, rank the top three reasons why you do this in order of importance. For example, the most important reason being a 1, second most a 2, etc.
Childcare reasons____
Financial reasons_2_
Night shifts are less hectic than day shift____
I enjoy having more autonomy working night shifts____
I am not a daytime person. My body feels better when I work nights____
I am going to school during the daytime____
My spouse/significant other works night shifts also____
I have no choice, as this is the only job opportunity available at the time__1__
Other reasons not specified here___3_

9) I AM a single parent:
b. No

10) I AM the primary wage earner in my household?
a. Yes

11) Would you ever like to leave night shift and work a more "normal" shift, such as 7 AM - 3 PM?
a. Yes

Thank you for your responses. This survey is being used to write a graduate research paper describing why nursing staff works night shift. All responses are completely confidential and anonymous.

Please note that I am a new grad, and all of this information will apply beginning the week after Thanksgiving. Hope this doesn't scew your results.