The intensive care units (ICUs) can be considered as one of the most aggressive and overloaded sectors in hospitals. This research had the objective of understanding the aspects of work organization which may be associated to the psychic illness in ICUs (intensive care units) health employees and their defensive strategies. The mixed method was used. From a quantitative study with nursing professionals who work in this sector in two private hospitals in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre - RS, eight subjects with mental sickness (depression or burnout) were interviewed. In the results, certain aspects can be highlighted: few acknowledgement and support at work, work overload, working in the night shift (lack of sleep), relationship difficulties with the management, ethical issues between values and professional aspects, institutional rigidities, and difficulty in dealing with death. In the strategies used, denial and banalization of suffering, rationalization and escape can be stressed. We point out the necessity of qualified assistance and institutional support for this professional, who is in deep psychic suffering.
Intensive care units; Health professionals; Occupational disease; Psychopathology; Work; Occupational health
