A study to determine the importance of regular protected break for Registered Nurses and Midwives

Abstract:
Many hospital policies around the world stipulate that Nurses/Midwives who are scheduled for 12-hour shifts should get a minimum of two to three 15-minute breaks and one uninterrupted meal period. But the reality of patient demands and short-staffed units means they are lucky to get five minutes to themselves. Nurses/Midwives tend to put their patients’ needs first before they sit down, go to the bathroom, or grab a bite to eat. 
Objectives:
Explore the opinion of Nurses/Midwives in regards to Regular Protected Breaks (RPB)
Discuss whether regular protected breaks improve performance levels
Determine whether regular protected breaks impact staff happiness

Research Questions:
Do Nurses/Midwives regard regular protected breaks as important?
Do regular protected breaks impact performance levels?
Do regular protected breaks impact staff happiness?

Hypothesis:
Null Hypothesis (H0) - Regular protected breaks are not important to Nurses/Midwives
Alternative Hypothesis (H1) - Regular protected breaks are important to Nurses
Null Hypothesis (H0) - Regular protected breaks do not improve performance levels
Alternative Hypothesis (H1) - Regular protected breaks do improve performance levels
Null Hypothesis (H0) - Regular protected breaks do not impact staff happiness
Alternative Hypothesis (H1) - Regular protected breaks does impact staff happiness

Study Design:
Evaluation cross sectional design observational study utilizing a mixed method approach

Background:  
Registered Nurses/Midwives are the largest group of health care providers globally. In order to provide 24-hour care, Nurses/Midwives often work long hours and consecutive shifts, without adequate meal or rest breaks. Studies have reported serious declines in functioning related to provider fatigue can lead to safety issues for patients and Nurses/Midwives a like (Witkoski, 2010).  Currently Danat Al Emarat Hospital offers regular breaks but they are not protected. This study will analyse these important research questions to see if regular protected breaks would make a difference in outcomes. It will also come up with some suggestions and recommendation for which the study unfolds.

Conclusion, Recommendations and Interventions:                                                                                                 Happiness is an important part of nursing mental health, as this reflects in the Nurse’s attitude and the work performance.  The nursing leadership team could consider to look at the results of this study and work toward a solution on how to provide a system that all Nurses get their RPB.  
This study has drawn attention to some favorable suggestions on how to improve staff happiness and to improve patient safety.  Mental health epidemiology is a very big important factor in public health and a lot of work related issues and challenges such as exhaustion and wellbeing is affected. This study hopes to illuminate the points of taking good care of Nurses and providing them the rest they require in order to function at peak performance.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21053797/
AAOHN J. 2010 Nov; 58(11):489-97; quiz 498-9. doi: 10.3928/08910162-20101027-02.

Author(s): Tracy Roake, Aiza Munoz

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