['The paper explores the theoretical and practical bases of both commitment and control within the context of temporal aspects of flexible working in nursing.', "The aims of the paper are to examine the relationships between nurses' shift patterns, influence over shift pattern and realization of shift preference and commitment to nursing.", 'Data were collected through a postal questionnaire completed by 2987 British nurses employed in hospitals, care homes and hospices. Principal components analysis was used to identify common factors among responses to a series of 33 statements about working life. Data were analysed using ANOVA and multiple regression techniques.', "Permanent night shift nurses reported lower levels of commitment to nursing. As predicted, influence over shift patterns and realization of preferred shift pattern were positively associated with commitment to nursing, although the relationship was weak. Positive perceptions of career development opportunities were a stronger predictor of commitment to nursing. Results are discussed in light of previous ethnographic research on nurses' shift patterns."] Does analysis of the relationship between nurse influence over flexible working and commitment to nursing?