The depression, problem faced by nursing professionals, can determine work absenteeism. This study intends to identify scientific evidence on the occurrence of work-related depression among nursing staff and to characterize the leading aspects of this illness and the strategies used to prevent it. To achieve these objectives a literature review was performed through published studies in the indexed journals of the international bases, from 1995 to 2005. The research disclosed that the mental health of the nursing workers can be influenced by internal and external work aspects. The proposed strategies emphasize the administrative support, the interpersonal relationship and the proper work division among an adequate number of professionals. These strategies should be supported by a depression management, a work-related stress reduction and the implementation of the Occupational Health programs. The results contribute to the advance of the scientific knowledge and as an incentive for the accomplishment of new researches.
depression; nursing; psychopathology work
