ATUAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL E BEM-ESTAR DE ENFERMEIROS

Abstract

The work of a professional nurse is complex and essential, because it consists of the care of human beings in any phase of their life cycle. The present study ha as its objective to identify the degree of well-being of professional nurses in the city of Rondonópolis in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso and to relate it to aspects of his or her professional activity. Participants were 128 nurses active in the public and private health services of the city. A questionnaire was administrated together with a measure of psychological and physical well being elaborated by Fazzio (1977) and validated by Paula and Torres (2001). The results showed that the majority of the nurses has a high level of well-being. Age is no predictor of well-being, but sex is. Women in the profession show more well-being than men. To work in more than one place does not menace well-being, but to work longer hours does. More hours weekly spent at work predicts lower well-being. The number of years spent in the profession contributes to well-being, but the contribution is small. Paradoxically, salary is negatively related to well-being. This may be due to the correlation that exists between salary and hours spent at work weekly. To work in hospitals and similar institutions is related to lower well-being. This may be due to direct responsibility for patient care and to bureaucratic work load, typical for such institutions. Dedication to patient care is related to increased well-being in men, but not in women. Satisfaction with the job and perceived professional efficiency are good predictors of well-being. Taking these data into account, the nurse may rethink his or her professional activity to enhance well-being on the job and, as a consequence, his or her disposition in the assistance offered in health services.