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Exposure to psychic workloads is the most reported by nursing workers. As consequence, an increasing incidence of problems due this exposition has been observed, such as mental unbalance and emotional strain. Consequently, these processes result in absenteeism of work, permanent or temporary disability, early retirement, severe mental disease and loss of quality of life.
Methods
It is a descriptive study, of qualitative approach, based in categories: work process, psychic workloads and strain processes. The setting was composed by five public university hospitals from five Brazilian’s regions. The sample constituted of 62 nursing workers from five hospitals, who sign the consent form voluntarily. The data collection was performed by five focal groups, one of each hospital, which were filmed and fully transcribed. Furthermore, all participants fulfill the Collective Inquiry, to validation of some information. The data were analyzed by thematic analysis, with systematization according to previously defined categories. The study was approved by Ethical Committee of Nursing College.
Results
The work process was identified by the relationship of the worker with work object, means and instruments of work and work organization. The psychic workloads were referred the monotonous and repetitive work, constant attention, female work, lack of collective defenses, abuse of alcohol and drugs, accelerated work rhythm, lack of communication, strict leadership of nursing head and other professionals and lack of creativity and autonomy. The strain processes reported by subjects were stress, irritation, anxiety, headache, stomachache, depression, tiredness, insomnia etc.
Discussion
The relationship between psychic workloads and resulting strains was well-described by the nursing workers, which also link it with work process and organizational structure. To recognize this relation of cause-effect is the first step to propose directed interventions for each area of work exposure.