Examining the relationship between shift work and mental workload, cognitive failure, and needle stick in nurses

Abstract

Introduction Nurses, as the largest occupational group in hospitals, are exposed to high work pressure due to the nature of their work. High workload directly and indirectly causes occupational accidents in nurses. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of shift work on the level of workload, cognitive failure, and the incidence of needlestick in nurses. Methods In this descriptive study, 243 nurses from one of the hospitals in Isfahan were studied according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent, information was collected using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), Wallace and Chen Cognitive failure, and Needlestick questionnaires. Data analysis was performed with Pearson correlation and other appropriate inferential tests using SPSS statistical software. Results The mean age and work experience of the nurses were 35.85 and 11.61 years, respectively. The mean mental workload and cognitive failure were 81.75 and 63.46, respectively. A significant difference was seen between the mean workload in different work shifts, such that the workload was higher in the rotating shift (P.Value ' 0.05). The frequency of needlestick incidents during the past 6 months was 72. The probability of needlestick incidents is higher in rotating shifts (P. Value ' 0.05). Conclusion It is important to consider strategies such as work schedule management, training, supervision, and compliance with safety and health procedures and standards among nurses to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries. © 2026 The Author(s).