Pleasure and Suffering Experiences of Nursing Professionals in a University Hospital During the COVID-19 Period
1
Public health, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3766
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Nursing professionals faced intense challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected their physical and mental health. This study aimed to describe experiences of pleasure and suffering among female nursing professionals working in a university hospital.
METHODS:
This qualitative and descriptive study was conducted in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, between July and October 2022. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 40 female nursing professionals. Data were analyzed using Bardin’s content analysis technique.
RESULTS:
Participants were aged between 30 and 58 years. Most had children (72.5%), and 57.5% were married or in a stable union. Regarding professional roles, 57.5% were nursing technicians, 25% were nurses, and 17.5% were nursing assistants. Pleasure at work was mainly associated with patient recovery, positive relationships with patients and companions, receiving compliments, feeling useful, and good teamwork. On the other hand, suffering was related to dealing with pain, illness, death, work process organization problems, lack of recognition, and professional devaluation. These factors contributed to emotional distress and potential physical and mental health impairment.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study highlights that nursing professionals experienced both pleasure and suffering in their daily work during the COVID-19 period. Institutional commitment is essential to reduce worker suffering, promote recognition, and improve working conditions, contributing to better health and job satisfaction among nursing staff.
Nursing professionals faced intense challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected their physical and mental health. This study aimed to describe experiences of pleasure and suffering among female nursing professionals working in a university hospital.
METHODS:
This qualitative and descriptive study was conducted in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, between July and October 2022. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 40 female nursing professionals. Data were analyzed using Bardin’s content analysis technique.
RESULTS:
Participants were aged between 30 and 58 years. Most had children (72.5%), and 57.5% were married or in a stable union. Regarding professional roles, 57.5% were nursing technicians, 25% were nurses, and 17.5% were nursing assistants. Pleasure at work was mainly associated with patient recovery, positive relationships with patients and companions, receiving compliments, feeling useful, and good teamwork. On the other hand, suffering was related to dealing with pain, illness, death, work process organization problems, lack of recognition, and professional devaluation. These factors contributed to emotional distress and potential physical and mental health impairment.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study highlights that nursing professionals experienced both pleasure and suffering in their daily work during the COVID-19 period. Institutional commitment is essential to reduce worker suffering, promote recognition, and improve working conditions, contributing to better health and job satisfaction among nursing staff.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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