Several factors contribute to the prevalence of overtime in nursing:
Staff Shortages: There is an ongoing shortage of qualified nursing staff, making it challenging to fill shifts adequately. Increased Patient Load: As the population ages and chronic conditions become more prevalent, the demand for nursing care increases. Unpredictable Workload: The healthcare environment is dynamic with unpredictable demands, often requiring staff to work beyond scheduled hours. Regulatory Requirements: Regulations may mandate specific nurse-to-patient ratios, necessitating overtime to meet compliance.
