Neonatal Nurse and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Fatigue

Current workforce shortages may cause some neonatal nurses and neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) to schedule and work more hours than their normal hours, leading to inadequate sleep and recovery. Sleep related fatigue of neonatal nurses, including NNPs, is a serious but common health issue that can lead to personal and patient safety problems if not effectively addressed. Elements contributing to sleep disturbances and related fatigue are multifactorial, and include personal, work group, organizational and administrative factors. Improving individual knowledge and accountability while working collaboratively with employers and regulatory bodies to address these issues can improve safety and quality of care for patients and improve the health and wellbeing of neonatal nurses and NNPs.