Aim: To explore the theme of multiple temporalities revealed through a phenomenological study of the experience of mid-life shift-working nurses.
Background: There are few data on the experience of mid-life women working rotating shift systems that change frequently. Concomitantly, the age profile of the current nursing workforce demands exploration of such issues.
Method: This phenomenological study sought the perspectives of 13 shift-working mid-life women.
Results: Sociological discussion of the temporal nature of work describes temporality as the clock time associated with an individual as determined by the constraints of their life. Transcript analysis identified the numerous temporalities surrounding a shift-working mid-life woman and a sense of disjunction between the temporalities of individuals important to them which resulted in feelings of regret and guilt. The concept of juggling is introduced to illustrate the participants' need to 'keep everything going' for important individuals in their lives.
Conclusion: The personal cost of effective juggling may be high for the jugglers themselves but also for health systems that provide the mid-life shift-working nurse with no alternative than a reduction in working hours.
Implications for nursing management: The development of a personal 'time map' framed within the concept of multiple temporalities is suggested for use as a staff development tool to assist with staff retention by facilitating both group and individual discussions of rostering and the complexities of managing an intergenerational work force undertaking shift work.