Nursing presenteeism: Repercussions on workers’ health and patient safety

Abstract

Objective: To examine the repercussions of presenteeism on the nursing work process in a teaching hospital. Methods: This qualitative, descriptive study, set in a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro city in 2015, used a semi-structured interview technique with 39 nursing workers, and applied content analysis to their accounts. The project was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: Health problems, such as the osteomuscular and respiratory conditions reported by workers, can be intensified as a result of the demands of working in the hospital environment. There are repercussions on performance, because of workers’ limitations and delays in performing care, resulting in team overload, interpersonal conflicts and interference in service quality. Conclusion: Institutional policy is needed to minimize the occurrence of presenteeism at work and the harm it causes to service performance and quality.