MENTAL HEALTH OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS: RISK FACTORS AND COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

The mental health of nursing professionals working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) has become an increasingly relevant topic in the contemporary hospital context, especially due to the intense physical and emotional demands imposed by this environment. The high-complexity setting, the constant responsibility for patients’ lives, and the continuous exposure to suffering and death make these professionals highly vulnerable to psychological distress. Objective: To analyze the risk factors associated with the impairment of mental health among nursing professionals working in ICUs and to identify the coping strategies adopted to deal with these conditions. Methodology: This is a qualitative study developed through an integrative literature review. The search was conducted in the SciELO, BVS, and Oasisbr databases, covering articles published between 2015 and 2025, in Portuguese, and with full-text availability. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied according to thematic relevance, resulting in a final sample of 11 studies selected from an initial screening of 122 articles. Results: The findings indicate that nursing professionals working in ICUs are exposed to multiple psychosocial risk factors, such as work overload, high technical and emotional demands, hierarchical conflicts, and task accumulation. These conditions significantly contribute to the development of disorders such as burnout syndrome, anxiety, and depression. The most effective coping strategies identified include strengthening social support among colleagues and leadership, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, seeking psychological counseling, and developing professional resilience.Conclusion: The implementation of institutional policies aimed at promoting mental health, combined with individual and collective coping strategies, is essential for professionals’ well-being and for maintaining the quality of care provided in ICUs. Study contributions: This research reinforces the importance of valuing the mental health of nursing professionals and contributes to the development of more humanized and sustainable management practices in hospital environments.