Assessment of the socio-labor conditions of ecuadorian nursing staff according to work hours rationalization

Abstract

This study analyzes the socio-labor conditions of nursing staff in Ecuador, focusing on the rationalization of working hours and its effects on the incidence of Burnout Syndrome. The objective was to determine how the organization of work shifts influences the health and well-being of nursing staff, comparing the cases of Ecuador and Spain. Through a descriptive and qualitative design based on a systematic literature review, Analytic-Synthetic and Deductive-Inductive methods were applied to evaluate and compare data between Ecuador and Spain. The results indicate that extended work shifts and rotating schedules impact the physical and mental health of nursing staff in both countries, with Burnout Syndrome being more prevalent in Spain, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Ecuador, although the overall incidence of Burnout Syndrome is lower, levels of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion are high, suggesting a significant workload burden. It is concluded that night shifts in Ecuador (8 hours) and Spain (7 hours) differ in ways that may influence staff well-being; moreover, the availability of free time and work-life balance are essential for the quality of life of nursing staff. It is essential that governments and institutions implement labor policies that mitigate the effects of intensive work and promote the well-being of healthcare staff to ensure both their health and the quality of care they provide.