NURSING STAFF’S STRAIN IN THE CARE FOR ONCO-HEMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS RECEIVING INPATIENT TREATMENT

Abstract

This is qualitative research using Convergent-Assistential Research as the design, aiming to investigate the strain of nursing staff in the care for onco-hematological patients receiving inpatient treatment. Data collection was undertaken with 29 participants, through interviews and focus groups, in 2012. The analysis was thematic, supported by the state of the art and conceptual framework. The results show the striking presence of the strain, resulting from the daily and continuous exposure of the worker to the workloads, both of external materiality and internal materiality, with emphasis on the psychological burdens. It is concluded that the strain is inherent to the work, but that it is not isolated, it being the case that the personal characteristics and the choices which the worker makes for her life can influence it. Strain produces effects on the worker’s health, on the work team, on the institution and on the patient herself; thus, it is necessary to use strategies in order to minimize it.

Keywords

• Nursing
• Workload
• Professional exhaustion