Introduction: the quality of life of nurses and nurse aides is under the influence of various factors including the occupational ones, which affect the quality of their services. The purpose of this research was to investigate the occupational and demographic factors effective on the quality of life of nurses and nurse aides working in teaching hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: the present research was a cross-sectional one conducted in 2014 on 620 nurses and nurse aides. Simple random sampling method was utilized. The data were collected via the World Health Organization Quality of Life short form (questionnaire). Shift working, having a second job, marital status, length of marriage and having a shift working spouse were the independent variables of this study. Data were analyzed in SPSS 18 software using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent t and linear regression statistical tests.

Results: the average age, length of marriage and work experience in hospital were 32.81 ± 7.84, 10.61 ± 7.30 and 10.29 ± 7.68, respectively. The number of children, having a second job, satisfaction from the hours spent with family, and belief in the effect of night work on family life were factors effective on quality of life (P > 0.05). The highest relationship of quality of life was with environmental health (r = 0.87, P = 0.001) and the lowest was with social health (r = 0.75, P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Avoiding to have a second job, scientific planning of shift work schedules and trainings relevant to life skills in shift workers would help improve the quality of life of nurses and nurse aides.