Nursing workers health and patient safety: the look of nurse managers

Objective: To understand the perception of nurse managers about the relationship between nursing workers health and patient safety. Method: A qualitative survey was conducted using the social phenomenology approach of Alfred Schutz, accomplished through individual interviews with nine nurse managers from five Brazilian university hospitals. Results: Nurse managers' perception of the relationship between nursing workers health and patient safety was evidenced in the following categories: "The suffering to balance workers health and patient safety" and "Interventions in everyday work life". Conclusion: Managers' experience showed an everyday work life marked by suffering and concern, due to high rates of absenteeism and presenteeism resulting from illness and incapability of workers, and the need to ensure patient safety through qualified nursing care.