Descriptive study with qualitative approach that aimed to identify and analyze the defense collective strategies made by nursing staff in front of the technology noise in an Intensive Therapy Center (ITC). Twenty-five members of nursing staff of an intensive therapy center at a university hospital in Niteroi (RJ) participated in the study in 2004. For data collection, semi-structured interview was used and data were analyzed by means of content analysis that showed the follow results: the noise disturbs and stress. The workers make defenses collective strategies that allow them to keep on working without get sick. Although, the defense strategies can be characterized as a factor that results in alienation, hidden the real comprehension of work context workers Therefore, preventive actions and changes need to be implemented by the organization so that it could improve the work environment. Nursing staff members have an important role in helping the organization managers to set a healthier work environment.
Nursing; Noise; Occupational health; Mental health