Nowadays, shift work has become a common trend among professionals. In order to provide continuous and integral healthcare to patients, participation of shift work is essential for nurses. The unstable work time raises adaptation problems for the nurses in their work performance and personal lives. By reviewing the literature, we summarize factors that relate to a nurse's maladjustment, including aspects on physiology, psychology, interpersonal relationships, and the work environment. The published articles and our study both suggest that for a better quality of work, life, and health, nurses need to have regular diet, sleep, and exercise. They must also develop strategies for psychological adjustment and interpersonal skills. We also recommend administrative organizations formulate a humanistic work shift system and take measures to improving work environment. Therefore, the promotion of the quality of life of the nurses can be ultimately successful.