Shift choice and flexible scheduling: Impact on nurse fatigue and retention in New Zealand public hospitals

My name is Adetoun Oyekunle, and I am a registered nurse (RN) and a professional doctorate student at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. I am conducting a research study on shift choice and flexible scheduling, and currently looking for nurses to take part in a short, anonymous survey.

This research aims to explore how flexible scheduling and shift choice impact nurse fatigue and retention in New Zealand public hospitals. The goal is to understand whether giving nurses more control over their work schedules could reduce their level of fatigue, improve job satisfaction, and ultimately help retain them in the workforce.

Who can take part?

Registered nurses working shifts in New Zealand public hospitals.
Any department or specialty
All levels of experience welcome

What’s involved?

Complete a short anonymous survey (approx. 15–20 minutes)
At the end of the survey, you can optionally provide your email if you’re open to a follow-up interview later in the study.

Why take part?

By participating, you will contribute to research that could help shape safer, more supportive work conditions for nurses. Your voice matters!

This study has received ethics approval from the Victoria University of Wellington Human Ethics Committee (ref number: 2025/HE040118).

If you’re interested, please scan the QR code or click the link below to access the survey.

https://vuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erj1wuAbDgatQrQ

For more information, please contact Adetoun Oyekunle at [email protected] or 02040839223.

Your responses will help us understand how flexible work options might support nurses’ wellbeing and retention.

Adetoun Oyekunle
Wellington

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