The hospital environment can cause suffering in health professionals because it involves direct contact with death, pain and suffering. Administrative staff, who are often in permanent contact with users, are not immune to this impact. However, studies with this population are still scarce. The present research intends to collect data on the perception of suffering and their intervening factors in administrative professionals who work in sectors related to adult patients in critical condition of a general hospital in the countryside of São Paulo. This is an exploratory, descriptive and qualitative research. Data were collected using an online form and evaluated using Bardin's content analysis technique. Employees, in general, reported a feeling of well-being, despite the prevalence of tiredness. Difficulties typical of the hospital environment, death of patients, overload, devaluation, lack of recognition and collaboration in solving tasks and communication difficulties were the main risk aspects identified for suffering. On the other hand, liking the job, seeing relevance at work, having good interpersonal relationships, performing self-care and receiving support from the institution were considered protective factors. The results may subsidize interventions in favor of the mental health of professionals.