Effects of Extended Work Shifts on Patient Safety of Nurses in a Selected Tertiary Government Hospital

Extended work shifts have become increasingly common in tertiary government hospitals due to staffing shortages and high patient census. This study aimed to determine the effects of extended work shifts on patient safety among nurses in a selected tertiary government hospital, considering demographic characteristics as moderating variables. A quantitative descriptive correlational design was employed, involving 130 registered nurses selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a validated, researcher-developed survey questionnaire measuring the demographic profile, the length and frequency of extended shifts, and patient safety indicators. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, and Kruskal–Wallis H test were utilized for data analysis. Findings revealed that the majority of nurses worked shifts exceeding 12 hours, with many rendering extended shifts daily. Although nurses generally agreed that patient safety was maintained, fatigue-related factors such as reduced concentration and communication challenges were reported. A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between extended work shifts and patient safety. Age and years of nursing experience significantly influenced patient safety outcomes. The study concludes that prolonged and frequent shifts may subtly compromise patient safety and recommends optimized scheduling and fatigue management strategies to enhance nurse well-being and healthcare quality.