Working Hours

Approximately 80% of participants worked close to or above 60 hours per week when workload categories were aggregated. Bulk transfers from the overcrowded High Care ER unit caused sharp workload spikes in the acute short stay unit. Stretched transfer eligibility criteria increased patient complexity for ASS nurses during busy periods. Average working hours directly and positively predicted psychological distress in the path model. Average working hours had a significant positive bivariate association with psychological distress. Individual-level interventions alone cannot adequately address distress because working hours have a direct effect independent of well-being or resilience. Continuous demands contributed to physical and mental strain, with some nurses nearly reaching burnout. The post-merger organisation of emergency care created prolonged high workload and pace.