NURSING AND QUALITY OF WORK LIFE: A STUDY IN A PUBLIC REFERENCE HOSPITAL IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

Abstract

The study analyzed the Quality of Work Life (QWL) of nursing professionals working in a public hospital designated as a reference center for COVID-19 care in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This was a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study conducted with 146 nurses, nursing technicians, and nursing assistants between September and December 2021. Data collection included a sociodemographic questionnaire and another on Quality of Work Life (QWL). The participants were predominantly female, with a substantial proportion holding multiple employment relationships, and the majority consisted of nursing technicians and assistants. The highest-rated QWL dimensions were the social relevance of work and social integration, with professional pride, sense of purpose, and teamwork standing out during the pandemic. Conversely, the lowest scores were observed for compensation, employment benefits, professional autonomy, and work–life balance. Approximately one-third of the participants reported unsatisfactory QWL. The findings indicate that, despite the social recognition of nursing during the pandemic, structural limitations related to working conditions and work organization remained. These results underscore the need for institutional policies aimed at strengthening professional recognition, improving working conditions, and fostering healthier, more participatory, and sustainable work environments.