Work-life balance among single nurses：the current level and its association with working conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current level of Work-Life Balance (WLB) for single nurses and how working conditions are affected to WLB. This self-reported questionnaire was completed by 15,025 nurses in 49 domestic hospitals.

They showed no significant differences in “WLB demands” for single nurses and nurses with household (p＝0.558), however single nurses had a clearly lower (p＜0.001) “WLB Satisfaction”. And “Number of Day Shift”, “Working Hours of Day Shifts”, “Overtime in Day Shifts,” “Number of Night Shift,”, “Working Hours of Day Shifts”, “Overtime in Night Shifts” were much greater for single nurses (p＜0.001 for all). Both of the level of “Depression” and “Physical Fatigue” were obviously higher for single nurses (p＜0.001 for both). Compared to nurses with household, “WLB Satisfaction” of single nurses was inversely correlated with “Overtime in Day Shifts”, “Number of Night Shift”, and “Overtime in Night Shifts” (p＜0.001 for all).

Single nurses are forced to work under quite harsh working environments. Consequently, they are physically and mentally exhausted. These aspects make single nurses' potential toward WLB decrease. In keeping with the principle of WLB itself, we need to correct comprehensive policies to enhance WLB. Also, they should be implemented to reduce their burden such as increased overtime and number of night shift, and any other factors that disrupt the level of WLB.