RISKS OF ILLNESS IN THE WORK OF DOCTOR AND NURSES OF REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN MATO GROSSO

Abstract

This article, based on the Psychodynamics of Work, analyzes the risks of illness in the work of doctors and nurses who attend emergency cases in a public hospital of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A qualitative descriptive research through semi-structured interviews was conducted, inspired by the Inventory of Work and Risks of Illness (ITRA) developed by Ferreira and Mendes (2007). The units of meaning that emerged from the study revealed that the context of respondents is marked by an intense work routine, by a precarious working condition and by a weakened social and professional relationship, caused by a lack of integration. Their work requires constant state of concentration and alertness, screening of most urgent patients, situations that cause body aches, stomach problems and emotional distress, due to the fact they face life or death situations on a daily basis. Respondents claim to be pleased in work, because they save lives, are free to express opinions and are recognized by colleagues, patients and their family. However, they suffer from work overload, lack of resources and a management deficiency. The cunning intelligence, the use of spirituality, the individualism and the isolation are some of the mechanisms that these professionals use to deal with such stressful work.