[Psychological load factors and control in the work of occupational health nurses]

The purpose of the study was to describe the factors causing psychological loads and control in the work of occupational health nurses. The material was collected using a questionnaire (n = 300). In all, the responses from 195 subjects were available for the present analysis. Cross-tabulation, correlations and percentage distributions were used as the statistical methods. Open-ended questions were qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. Occupational health nurses reported frequent loading due to paper work, the excessive scope of their work and multiple problems with clients. A continuous shortage of time, pressure from unperformed tasks and a lack of opportunities to concentrate on work frequently loaded the subjects. Organization of their work was related to changes in the pace of work. Nurses who estimated their working capacity to be excellent mentioned their professionalism and ability to develop along with the requirements of their work. The findings can be used in planning and developing the work of occupational health nurses and for educational purposes.