Work Intensification From Nursing Workers’ Perspective

Abstract

Objective: to understand the factors that intensify work from the perspective of nursing professionals working in medical and surgical clinical units. Method: this is a descriptive, exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, carried out with 18 nursing professionals working at a university hospital in southern Brazil. Data production took place between April and June 2021 through semi-structured interviews. Data processing occurred through textual analysis, with the aid of IRaMuTeQ software, with the results being subjected to content analysis. The project followed the recommendations for research involving human beings, approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: based on similarity analysis and Descending Hierarchical Classification, data were organized into seven classes: I - Weaknesses in physical structure and lack of materials and/or equipment; II - Complexity of patients’ clinical condition; III - Weaknesses in training, qualification and number of professionals; IV - Work rhythms and demands; V - Work process organization; VI - Weaknesses in management; and VII - Lack of interprofessional collaboration. Conclusion: work intensification is present in study participants’ daily lives, being related to the lack of materials and equipment, severity of patients’ clinical condition, weaknesses in professional training and qualification, intensified pace and increase in work demands, weaknesses in management, and lack of interprofessional collaboration.