Epidemiological profile of nursing professionals requesting annual fee exemption

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of nursing professionals who requested an annual fee exemption for the Regional Nursing Council of Rio de Janeiro due to illness, from January to June 2025. It’s a quantitative, retrospective study based on 36 approved requests. The sample revealed a predominance of women (80.6%) and nursing technicians (72.3%). The main health problems identified were malignant tumors (58.3%), AIDS (11.1%), and blindness (11.1%), in addition to other serious conditions such as tuberculosis, autoimmune, neurological, and degenerative diseases. The data highlight the direct impact of working conditions on the health of nursing workers, such as exposure to harmful agents, exhausting workdays, and emotional overload, factors that contribute to physical and mental illness. In this context, COFEN Resolution Nº. 749/2024 emerges as a protective and supportive measure, guaranteeing an annual fee exemption for professionals suffering from illnesses that compromise their work capacity. However, the resolution, while relevant, does not replace the need for structural policies focused on prevention, professional development, and the promotion of occupational health. It is concluded that recognizing illness in nursing requires broader strategies that promote safe, dignified, and humane work environments.