This article is the result of a research based on the Psychodynamics of Work methodology, conducted in a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2006 and 2007. The research purpose was to investigate the psychodynamics of nursing immaterial labor by analyzing socialization among hospital nurses confronted with their contemporary professional demands. The research evidenced the effects of immaterial labor maximization in the contemporary world, as well as nurses' suffering and difficulties when facing their present job demands. These factors lead these professionals into individualism, limit self-recognition and visibility of their professional contribution, reducing the possibility of transforming their suffering at work into pleasure and fulfillment. Among these hospital nurses were also observed: their dedication to the job and search for perfection, time and space restrictions which prevent them from interacting and caring of patients; reduced opportunities to gather, discuss problems, and share their feelings; lack of effective group relationship, overvaluing techniques and prescribed tasks. As conclusion, it is essential to increase nurses' opportunities for discussion and socialization aiming at a collective construction of their work emancipation and of new meanings for their profession.
nursing; psychodynamics of work; work and contemporaneity; immaterial labor