The aim of this study was to understand the nursing work organization in long-stay institutions for the elderly and its relationship to pleasure and suffering at work. Data were collected through observation and interviews between April and September 2013 and submitted to content analysis, in light of Dejours' psychodynamics of work theory. Professionals experience suffering as they face physical exertion, a fast-paced work environment and repetitive routines, limited human resources, accumulation of responsibilities and lack of medical service in the institution. Pleasure is experienced through the division of labor among workers, staff's good working relationships, freedom to change the work organization and the possibility of creating a bond with the elderly. The study provides subsidies for planning adequacies in the nursing work organization at these institutions, which will improve the workers' relationship to their work activities.
Nursing; Homes for the aged; Occupational health; Job satisfaction; Stress, psychological