Labour, ethical and political dimensions of nursing staff sizing in the face of COVID-19

Abstract

Aim  To propose a broader discussion on dimensions involving the sizing of nursing staff, articulating them to the reality of the pandemic by COVID-19.

Method  Theoretical-reflexive essay subsidised by technical-scientific material and allusions about the labour, ethical and political dimensions/repercussions of the (sub)dimensioning of nursing staff and the reality that the context of the pandemic highlighted in the dynamics of management of people in the category.

Results  the reflection was guided by two axes: Dimensions of nursing staff sizing and the scenario aggravated by COVID-19; and, Providing nursing staff after COVID-19: is there optimism?

Final considerations and implications for practice  the health situation expressed by COVID-19, in Brazil, seems to evidence for society the high workload and the quantified inadequacy of nursing professionals. This has reinforced the ambivalence of strengths and weaknesses of the dimensions involving the means of forecasting and the provision of human resources. In an optimistic proposition, it is believed that the articulation of the interests of the profession, class entities, government bodies, academia, managers/institutions, as well as society as a whole, is configured as a political means of unfolding the dimensioning of nursing professionals and having an ethical and positive impact on the working conditions of the category, as well as favouring the quality of care.

Keywords:  Personnel downsizing; Workload; Coronavirus infections; Nursing, team; Personnel management