Enfermagem na central de materiais e esterilização: estudo dos fatores psicossociais relacionados ao estresse dos profissionais

Abstract

The Material and Sterilization Center plays a fundamental role in ensuring patient safety, preventing hospital infections and ensuring that materials used in procedures are adequately sterilized and controlled. Although many studies currently explore the mental health of nursing professionals, there is a lack of research focused on professionals working in support sectors, such as the CME, where working conditions are equally challenging and the emotional and psychological needs of workers end up being underestimated. Thus, this study seeks to identify the psychosocial factors related to stress and analyze their impacts on nursing professionals in the CME of a hospital located in the West of Santa Catarina. To this end, a descriptive and qualitative approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with nurses and nursing technicians in the sector. The data were analyzed according to the content analysis advocated by Laurence Bardin. The results revealed that the lack of institutional support, professional devaluation, work overload and the absence of adequate resources are predominant factors that generate stress. These elements result in problems such as anxiety, depression, physical illnesses, as well as absenteeism and decreased productivity. The negative perception of the CME, often seen as a low-prestige sector, contributes to the emotional exhaustion of professionals and impairs the quality of care provided. Thus, this study contributes to the understanding of the working conditions and mental health of nursing professionals working in the CME, increasing the importance of a closer look at these professionals.