Several factors contribute to nurse fatigue, including:
- Extended Work Hours: Nurses often work long shifts, sometimes exceeding 12 hours. These extended hours can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. - Shift Work: Rotating shifts and night shifts disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances and fatigue. - High Patient-to-Nurse Ratios: When nurses are responsible for too many patients, the workload can become overwhelming, contributing to fatigue. - Emotional Stress: Dealing with critically ill patients, emotional situations, and the pressure to provide high-quality care can lead to emotional exhaustion.
