This study aimed to analyze the factors of pleasure and suffering at work in nursing management in the hospital context. This is an exploratory-descriptive study with qualitative approach, which was used as a technique for collecting semi-structured interview. It was conducted in a university hospital and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The 19 nurses who participated in the study revealed that management is a source of pleasure when there is personal and professional growth, recognition and job satisfaction, and a source of suffering because of the difficulties of relationship with the team and work overload. It emphasizes the need for nurse-managers understand the duality suffering, and pleasure when seeking for a position more constructive and fulfilling, through greater coordination of management activity, with the experience of life, beyond the institutional backing and support from coworkers.
Management; Nursing, Supervisory; Nursing Service, Hospital; Occupational Health