This study aimed to identify situations that cause pleasure and pain in the nursing work in two health institutions located in rural areas. This is a survey conducted at the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC). The research had a qualitative approach and the data was collected through interviews with sixteen workers, later analyzed through content analysis. The results showed distress in work related to patient care, to poor working conditions and to difficulties in the relationship with the rest of the staff Pleasure in work was related to recognition by patients, to the possibility of alleviating the suffering of patients, to a good relationship with the rest of the staff to the monitoring of the family on health needs and to the answering of demands by the community. Facing suffering is possible through individual and institutional measures. A humanized look to the health of the health worker is relevant, with changes in work organization.