Silent practices becoming norms: planned napping for nurses during intensive care night shifts – a focus group study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Night shifts in intensive care units (ICUs) are associated with significant physical and cognitive fatigue among nurses, which may affect staff well-being and patient safety. Although short naps have been shown to reduce fatigue, their implementation in ICUs remains limited and poorly understood. Aim: This study explored ICU nurses' and nurse managers' perceptions of planned napping. Methods: = 20) across three Finnish ICUs. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: Participants described severe fatigue during night shifts and acknowledged the benefits of planned napping, including improved alertness, reduced errors, and enhanced well-being. Informal napping was common, but formal structures were lacking. Barriers included unclear policies, cultural resistance, and logistical challenges; whereas facilitators involved organisational culture, environment, scheduling, and managerial support. Emphasis was placed on fairness, flexibility, and clear protocols. Conclusions: Planned napping was perceived as a valuable strategy for managing fatigue, but successful implementation requires institutional support and context-sensitive planning. This study provides practical insights into implementing planned napping in high-acuity environments and supports the development of structured, evidence-informed protocols to promote staff well-being, patient safety and sustainable nursing practices.
Source: Journal of research in nursing
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
Award: G7003494673
OpenAlex ID: W7130849358