Abstract
Nursing workers are subjected to unhealthy working conditions that can lead to sickness absenteeism. Based on an integrative literature review, the present study aimed to identify the main reasons that lead nursing workers in Brazil to sickness absenteeism, according to articles available at the Virtual Health Library, published from 2006 to 2017. A total of 23 publications that met the study objectives were selected, and the main reasons for sickness absenteeism identified were diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, followed by mental and behavioral disorders. Other factors identified also include factors that influence health status, diseases of the sensory organs, and diseases of the respiratory system, among others. Studies on worker health among nursing staff are important to understand the relationship between work and illness and to contribute to the improvement of working conditions and health of this professional category.