ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: to analyze the factors associated with psychopathological symptoms among nurses at a university hospital. METHODS: a cross-sectional study developed at a university hospital in Pernambuco, in which 90 nurses participated. A questionnaire with social and professional characteristics and the Symptom Assessment Scale were used. RESULTS: an association was found between the variable changing profession and the presence of characteristic symptoms of psychoticism, somatization and anxiety among nurses. CONCLUSIONS: the emergence of psychopathological symptoms has influenced nurses' desire to search for another profession. This evidence reinforces the need for greater investments in better working conditions and welcoming actions in the work environment, in order to provide a better quality of professional life and promote the health of these workers.