Gênero e trabalho na perspectiva de profissionais de enfermagem de unidades de terapia intensiva

Abstract

Introduction: The work-family balance dilemma circulates the discussion about women in the labor market, including in nursing and in the ICU sector. This instigates the reflections on how nursing professionals experience gender issues in their work and family relationships. Objective: to know the perception of ICU nursing professionals about the interface between work and gender. Method: This is a descriptive qualitative study conducted at the adult and neonatal ICUs of a hospital located in Rio Grande do Sul. The research was conducted with 11 nursing professionals. Data production took place in June 2019 through semi-structured interviews. The data were audio recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic content analysis. The study was approved by the local research ethics committee. Results: The relationships between work and family and social dimensions are permeated by stress, tiredness and family demands resulting from the double workday, especially on women. In the workplace, gender issues are evident through prejudices between women and men in intensive care work. Gender issues were evidenced through the discrimination suffered by men in the team, being the target of speculation about their sexuality and suitability to the profession. Conclusion: the family burden of working women continues to be a reality among the interviewees, while at the same time, in the workplace, gender inequalities remain, strengthened by the historical inheritance of the profession.