Shift work, stress, time management and occupational balance: Their associations with job satisfaction among female nurses

BackgroundShift work is a common requirement in healthcare settings to ensure 24-h continuity of care; however, it is associated with increased stress, disrupted circadian rhythms, and decreased job satisfaction among nurses. While occupational balance and time management skills are known to be protective factors, the relationships between these variables have not been adequately explored.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to compare stress, time management, occupational balance, and job satisfaction variables among shift- and non-shift-working nurses in Türkiye, to examine the relationships among these variables, and to determine their associations with job satisfaction.MethodsParticipants were 160 public-sector female nurses, including shift (24/24) and day (40-h/week) workers. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress, Time Management, Occupational Balance, and Job Satisfaction Scales.ResultsThe study found significant differences between the two groups in age, stress, time management, and occupational balance (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed generally weak to moderate relationships. Regression analyses revealed that stress was the only significant variable negatively associated with job satisfaction among shift-working nurses (β = -0.054, p = 0.001). In contrast, among non-shift-working nurses, occupational balance was the only significant variable associated with job satisfaction (β = 0.056, p = 0.001). Time management did not show a significant relationship in either group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that shift work negatively affects nurses' psychological well-being, occupational balance, and overall job satisfaction. Stress reduction strategies for shift workers and occupational balance enhancement for non-shift nurses may improve job satisfaction. Tailored organizational interventions based on work schedules are recommended.