Stressors in nursing with double or more working hours

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the main stressors in nursing workers double or more working hours, check the main signs and symptoms indicative of stress. Methods: A descriptive study with quantitative approach. It was developed in a public hospital in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza. The sample consisted of 30 professionals, and 46.7% nursing auxiliaries, 33.3% nurses and 20% technical. The data was collected during November-December 2008, through semi-structured questionnaire. Results: 93.3% of professionals are women aged 31-40 years. The study revealed several factors leading to stress, especially wage dissatisfaction (83%), lack of leisure (73%) and workload (60%), potentially damaging the quality of care. Conclusion: It was perceived scarcity of time that the nursing staff dedicated to rest, leisure, living with the family and their professional qualifications.