An Investigation of Work-Related Fatigue Levels and Related Factors among Emergency Nurses: A Primary Quantitative Study

Abstract

One of the most frequent phenomena among shift workers, particularly nurses, is work-related fatigue. There is a necessary demand for research in the area concerning the relationship between socio-demographic factors, occupational variables and work-related fatigue among Arabic, including Jordanian nurses, given the lack of knowledge. This study targets evaluating the magnitude of the relationship between socio-demographic and occupational factors and work-related fatigue among Jordanian nurses who work in emergency care venues. A descriptive correlational study was used. A non-probability based convenient sampling technique was applied, capturing 220 emergency nurses in Jordan. Measures included socio-demographic data, Occupational variables and Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery Scale (OFER 15). In comparison to chronic and inter-shift fatigue, acute work-related fatigue attained the highest average score (Mean = 61.63, SD +27.17). Acute fatigue had a significant but weak relationship with years of experience, age, marital status, income and shift-work had an imperative relationship with acute work-related fatigue. Further, the chronic fatigue and inter shift (recovery) were correlated with marital status, years of experience, income and shift-work. The findings of this study provided empirical data that would help develop procedures to diminish levels of work-related fatigue among Jordanian emergency nurses, which would enhance nurses and patients positive health outcomes.