Final answer:
A manager must weigh the benefits of longer shifts for continuity of care against the challenges posed by shift work, such as circadian disruption and its associated risks. Job satisfaction among nursing staff is key to patient satisfaction, and this can influence staffing decisions. Additionally, the balance of demand and supply in the labor market affects nurse employment and salary decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When deciding which staffing option to use on a nursing unit that will open soon, the manager needs to consider various factors that impact both the staff and the patients. One critical aspect is the scheduling of shifts. While longer shifts like the 12-hour shifts on 3 consecutive days may enhance continuity of care and reduce errors, they can be physically demanding for the nurses. On the other hand, the use of part-time nurses can provide the required variability to meet diverse patient needs and manage workload.
Shift work, especially rotating shifts, can be problematic for nurses as it disrupts their circadian cycles, resulting in sleeping problems and psychological distress, potentially leading to increased mistakes on the job. To address these issues, scheduling should be strategically designed to minimize frequent rotations, thus allowing nurses to maintain a more stable circadian rhythm. Managers might also consider staff feedback when creating schedules to enhance job satisfaction, which is closely linked to patient satisfaction. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota-Wisconsin metropolitan area, demand and supply play a key role in determining nurse employment. Employers may react to higher salaries for nurses by reducing their hiring, seeking out alternatives such as healthcare aides, or by investing in technology to maintain patient care standards while managing costs.