PRIMARY CARE NURSE WORK ORGANIZATION: AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ISSUE

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and inferential study, using Pearson's chi-square test, of the impact of work organization among Primary Care nurses, technicians, and nurses' assistants upon their occupational health. The intentional sample was composed of 171 nursing professionals, using a closed questionnaire with individual questions and an observation form. High dissatisfaction Scores were identified in the items: relationship with leaders (83.6%), with colleagues (76.3%), concerning schedules (71.9%) and self-perception of low work control and decision-making opportunities (63.5%). The perception of a poor work environment among colleagues was statistically associated to the variables conflict with customers (p=0.01); bad organization of shifts and schedules (p=0.00); and accelerated work pace (p=0.00). We conclude that there is the need to include specific consideration for Primary Care work organization, and support for a worker's health policy in nursing and health care.