Night Shifts and Occupational Fatigue Among Nurses Who Work 12-Hour-Shifts in Jeddah

Background/Objectives: Night-shift work is essential for continuous nursing care but may disrupt circadian rhythms, impair well-being, and contribute to occupational fatigue. This study assessed the impact of night-shift work and occupational fatigue among nurses working 12 h shifts at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive–correlational, cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 234 registered nurses with more than one year of night-shift experience participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and work-related characteristics; the physiological, psychological, and social impacts of night-shift rotation; and occupational fatigue using the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery (OFER) Scale. Results: Most nurses experienced physiological (82.1%), psychological (66.2%), and social (73.9%) impacts of night-shift work. Mean OFER scores were 49.6 ± 28.1 for chronic fatigue, 54.9 ± 16.2 for acute fatigue, and 49.2 ± 12.3 for intershift recovery. Night-shift impacts were positively associated with chronic and acute fatigue and negatively associated with intershift recovery. Social and psychological impacts were independently associated with chronic fatigue and intershift recovery, while social impact and the number of night shifts were independently associated with acute fatigue. Conclusions: Twelve-hour night-shift work was associated with substantial physiological, psychological, and social impacts and with higher occupational fatigue and lower intershift recovery. Organizational strategies that limit excessive night duties, protect recovery time, and strengthen staff support may improve nurses’ well-being and performance.