Suffering and defense mechanisms: an analysis of the work of Primary Health Care nurses

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the suffering and coping strategies of nurses working in Primary Health Care considering the psychodynamics of their work. Methods: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out with 11 nurses working in Primary Health Care. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, systematized, and interpreted using Bardin’s content analysis method applied to recurrent themes. Results: The suffering factors related to work in Primary Health Care are difficulties with management, the fragile structure of the health support network, and conflicts with the users. Defensive strategies to minimize these difficulties are the support of hierarchical superiors, the empowerment of the community and users, and communication between team members. Final considerations: It is important that there be changes in the organization of this line of work to improve the workers’ health.