Abstract: Objective: As a measurable and objective indicator, the Reaction Time can effectively reflect the work execution capacity of nurses in the ICU. This study compared the differences of Reaction Time and analyzed its influencing factors among nurses in ICU before and after their working shifts. Methods: Following convenient sampling, using a self-developed questionnaire, and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task, related information were collected from a total of 118 nurses in 6 ICUs from two local hospitals in the current study. Results: The Reaction Time of ICU nurses appeared to be significantly longer after their working shift (after day shift 296.75 ms, after night shift 310.25 ms) than before they started their shift (before day shift 290.64 ms, before night shift 288.44 ms), and the Reaction Time after night shift (310.25 ms) was longer than that (296.75 ms) of day shift (P<0.05). Among nurses with sleep disorders, their Reaction Time before night shift (299.64 ms) and after night shift (363.33 ms) were both longer than that among those without sleep disorders (before night shift 285.56 ms, after night shift 306.40 ms) (P<0.05). Gender, number of children, length of employment in hospital, length of working shifts, whether or not consumed caffeine drinks and desserts all had relative impacts on the Reaction Time among nurses in the ICUs before and after their working shifts, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended to use the Reaction Time reasonably to improve the scheduling, identify related protective and risk factors, and improve the performance of nurses in the ICU.

Key words: ICU; nurse; Reaction Time; sleep disorder