The Cost of Work in Medical Nursing

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Abstract
The physiological cost of work was measured on the nursing staff of a general medical ward. Fourteen subjects took part in the study. Heart rates were measured during work and sleep on 13 nurses, and oxygen consumption measurements were made on 12, using the Miser Respirometer. In addition, maximum aerobic capacity was estimated on eight of the subjects Mean heart rates during work were 93 ± SD 10 bt min-1 significantly higher on the late than the early shift. The mean rate of energy expenditure was 147 ± SD 31 W. and was significantly higher in the morning than the afternoon or the evening The mean relative work toad was 22% ± SD5%. The mean individual relative heart rate was 26% ± SD 9% and the mean ratio of work : sleep heart rates was 145 ± SDO-19 The findings placed medical nursing in the same category as light industrial work.