ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF WORK LIFE FOR NURSING PROFESSIONALS IN DIFFERENT HOSPITAL UNITS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the Quality of Work Life (QWL) of nursing professionals working in units with and without direct patient care. Method: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a public hospital in the Central-West region of Brazil with 202 nursing professionals, 49 from the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), and 153 from clinical and surgical inpatient units (IU). Data collection performed using the Total Quality of Work Life - 42 (TQWL-42). The analysis was conducted in the software IBM SPSS, obtaining absolute and relative frequencies, means, standard deviation, and p-value. Differences between means were verified by the Student’s t-test. Results: The QWL score was 56.52 in the CSSD and 54.30 in the IU, with no significant difference between the groups. In both groups, the best scores were concentrated in the Psychological and Behavioral sphere, while the worst were in the Biological and Physiological sphere. The best performing aspect was Task Significance, while the worst was Health and social care services. The aspects Physical and mental disposition, Health and social care services, Freedom of expression, Autonomy, Leisure time, Extra benefits, Work schedule, and Professional growth opportunities obtained scores <50.00 in both groups. Conclusion: Professionals with and without direct contact with patients achieved total QWL scores classified as moderate. Improvements in working conditions are recommended, especially regarding autonomy, freedom of expression, access to health services, working hours, rest and leisure time, and opportunities for professional development, aiming to value nursing and improve the quality of care.