Effects of shift type, job position and a rigorous work period on physical- and performance-related attributes in female nursing workers

Background Healthcare workers exhibit among the highest injury rates of all occupations, with musculoskeletal injuries predominating. Anthropometric attributes and demanding work schedules may contribute to enhanced injury risks. Specifically, physical characteristics and performance capacities as well as accumulating fatigue from multiple work shifts may predispose workers to job-related injuries. Given the unique demands of day versus night shift work and varying job positions within the healthcare sector, it remains to be determined if these job characteristics may differentially impact nursing workers’ physical and performance attributes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare physical and performance attributes of both day and night shift nursing workers, and registered nurses (RNs) and nurses’ aides (CNAs).