What are the effects of long work hours on nurses?
Extended work hours can have several negative effects on nurses. These include physical exhaustion, mental fatigue, and increased stress levels. Over time, this can lead to burnout, which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. Long hours can also affect nurses' health, leading to issues such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and impaired immune function.