Pleasure and suffering in the rural nurse’s work process: a scoping review

Introduction: The dimension of nursing practice in rural areas represents a commitment to solving problems inherent to diverse contexts, and work is influenced by the pleasure–suffering dyad. In this sense, this study aimed to identify and map the factors that cause pleasure and suffering in the work process of rural nurses. This study is important because it sheds light on the unique psychosocial challenges and satisfactions experienced by rural nurses – professionals who are often overlooked in global health discussions. By identifying key factors of pleasure and suffering in the work process or rural nurses, the review supports the development of strategies aimed at promoting mental health and improving professional wellbeing in rural healthcare contexts. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the recommendations of the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, based on the theoretical framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. The study protocol was registered via the Open Science Framework. The databases used were PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and LILACS. Also consulted were the following resources: CAPES Thesis and Dissertation Portal, Theses Canada, National EDT, and Google Scholar. There was no temporal delimitation for the study. The results were analyzed under the framework of Christophe Dejours’ psychodynamics of work. Results: Approximately 10,689 records were identified in the databases. The final sample consisted of 30 studies, with the majority of studies being scientific articles published between 2007 and 2008. The highest number of publications came from Australia. Regarding the nursing work processes identified in the studies, nursing work processes such as assisting, managing, and teaching were identified. Regarding the factors related to pleasure and suffering in these rural nurse work processes, it was observed that, for example, holistic care, belief in providing quality care and caring for the community were related to pleasure. Factors related to suffering at work included lack of resources, isolation (geographical and professional), and distance from continuing education. Conclusion: It is understood that it is not possible to conceive a work organization that, in some way, does not allow the suffering of the professional. Pleasure–suffering results from the interrelation between workers and the work context. Health and pleasure at work are processes that are constantly changing and must be addressed so as not to harm the psychosocial health of workers.