Objective: to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Work Limitations Questionnaire and to measure presenteeism in a sample of nursing workers. Method: a cross-sectional study, with non-probabilistic sampling. Data was collected between July 2018 and February 2019 in two high-complexity hospitals, and the sample was composed of 304 participants. The validity analysis of the Work Limitations Questionnaire was performed by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results: most of the participants were women (88.5%), with a mean age of 40.9 years old. The validities of the factorial, convergent and discriminant construct and the reliability of the complete version and of the 16-item version of the instrument were adequate after adjusting the models to the sample. A statistically significant and negative correlation (p<0.001) was verified between the workload, working time and the Time Management and Physical Demands dimensions; as well as a statistically significant (p<0.001) correlation between working time and the Mental-Interpersonal Demands and Production Demands dimensions. Gender and professional category did not influence presenteeism. The rate of loss of productivity at work was 19.51%. Conclusion: the Work Limitations Questionnaire showed adequate validity and reliability and can be considered a valid and reliable instrument for assessing presenteeism in the nursing team.