護理12小時輪班制度在臺灣可行嗎？

Is It Time to Implement a 12-Hour Shift for Nurses in Taiwan?

美國自1967年開始因應人力短缺而實施12小時輪班制度，爾後有許多國家開始跟進，而臺灣則是近年來有少數幾家醫院為了解決護理人員延遲下班以及流動率高等問題，開始規劃試行12小時輪班制度。該輪班制度由於延長每日工作時數、每週只需工作3~4天，雖然放假天數多且連續，但每日過長的工時不免讓人擔憂是否對於護理人員健康或病人安全上造成危害。本文旨在介紹護理12小時輪班制度的施行方式，以及回顧過去文獻針對該制度所提出的利與弊，有利的部分包括提升護理人員的生活品質、改善離職率、工作滿意度提升；不利的部分有病人安全、護理人員的疲倦以及對於睡眠品質的負向影響。透過這些結果，可以提供臺灣護理輪班制度另一種較有彈性的選擇，政府也需制定延長工時的相關規範，遵守每週工時規定以及不加班原則，防止醫院因施行12小時輪班制度而衍生護理人員過勞等問題。

The twelve-hour shift system, first introduced in the U.S. in 1967 to address a nursing shortage, is now the main system of shift rotation used in numerous countries. In recent years, several hospitals in Taiwan have implemented the 12-hour shift model as one initiative to improve the problems of overtime and high turnover rate among nursing staff. Under this model, nurses work only three to four days per week for 12-hour shifts per day. Despite the increase in numbers of days off, there is growing concern that long shift hours may harm both the safety of patients and the well being of the nurses. The aim of the present article is to explain the application of the 12-hour shift system and to review the potential impacts of this model. Benefits of the 12-hour shift system include improving quality of life for nursing staff, reducing the turnover rate, and increasing job satisfaction. Primary concerns regarding this system include patient safety, nurse fatigue, and the potential negative effects on the sleep quality of nurses. These findings may be referenced by policymakers considering the development / implementation of flexible work schedules in Taiwan. The government must set a ceiling on work hours allowed per week and impose limits on overtime in order to prevent burnout in nursing staff.