This study researched the implication of work in the psychological health of nursing assistants who work in critical units of a cardiology hospital. The theoretical approach was the psychodynamics of work. The information was obtained through individual interviews, and analyzed qualitatively by the content analysis method. The results indicate that work provides psychic balance, as the professionals find a space of creation and recognition of what they do. However it can be harmful to psychic balance as the worker also suffers with the patient's pain and with the physical weariness caused by work.
work; psychic suffering; nursing; critical unit