Revista Observatório, Palmas, v. 6, n. 1, p. 1-17, jan.-mar. 2020 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20873/uft.2447-4266.2020v6n1a12en e-ISSN nº 2447-4266 Vol. 6, n. 1, January-March. 2020 1 The meanings of work: a study in the perception of nurses Os sentidos do trabalho: um estudo na percepção dos enfermeiros los significados del trabajo: un estudio sobre la percepción de las enfermeras Keile Aparecida Beraldo PhD in Rural Development (UFRGS). Adjunct Professor in the Economics undergraduation and in the Postgraduate Program in Public Policy Management (GESPOL), both at the Federal University of Tocantins Foundation, Palmas’ Campus. E-mail: keile@uft.edu.br. 0000-0002-0739-1548 Nathanni Marrelli Matos Mauricio Master in Public Policy Management - GESPOL (UFT). Administrator of the Federal University of Tocantins. E- mail: nathanni@uft.edu.br. 0000-0003-4252-2862 Thiago Carneiro de Lima Graduated in Business Administration (UFT). Pharmaceutical Propagandist at Apsen, Brazil. E-mail: thiagocdlima@gmail.com. 0000-0003-1716-811X Nathalia de Sousa Bezerra Graduated in Public Management (IFTO). Administrative Assistant at UFT. E-mail: nathalia.sousa6@gmail.com. 0000-0001-6264-7406 Tatyane Alves das Neves Mendes Rodrigues Master in Public Administration (UFT). E-mail: tatyneves@uft.edu.br. 0000-0002-5832-3481 Correspondência: Universidade Federal do Tocantins. Av. NS 15 ALCNO 14 Bloco III sala 31. Plano Diretor Norte, 77001970 - Palmas, TO - Brasil. Received: 01.11.2019. Accepted: 19.12.2019. Published: 03.01.2020. ABSTRACT: The general objective of this study was to investigate the meanings that nurses from a private hospital located in Palmas attribute to their work. The method used in the research was literature review and field research through the application of questionnaires, using the quantitative approach. The data collection instrument was developed adapted from Morin's studies. The results reveal that the researched population has a positive understanding of work, which is defined as an activity that pays financially, but also allows people to improve their quality of life and grow personally. As for the meaning of work, it was identified that for the researched population, meaningful work is one that has clear objectives and goals, with a salary that meets personal needs, but that respects human values, has a safe environment and brings pleasure. KEYWORDS: Work; Work direction; Nursing professionals. Introduction In the past, work was treated with disregard, considering it as a necessary burden for survival. However, over time, this contempt for work has been modified, making it also an activity of achievement for individuals. Thus, the objective of this article is to investigate the meanings that nurses in a private hospital located in Palmas attribute to their work. For this, it is proposed: to identify the nurses' perception of what work is; identify what makes the work make sense