NURSING STAFF’S PERCEPTION ON HUMANIZATION IN NEONATAL ICU'S

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the nursing staff’s perception on humanization of care to newborn infants at risk and to identify actions of the nursing staff that contribute to the humanization of care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/NICU. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory study, performed with 10 nursing professionals of a teaching hospital in the state of Paraíba, from March to May 2006, using semi-structured interviews with two guiding questions: In your opinion, what does humanization mean? Which actions of you practice might be considered humanized? The technique used for the analysis was the Collective Subject Speech. Results: the nursing staff sees humanization as an essential factor for care. Such perception is reflected on daily care practices towards infants as an attempt to reduce the impact caused by the stressing environment of the NICU. Conclusion: we highlight the importance of including the family in the care towards the infant by implementing humanization actions that involve the caregiver and the care receiver under an integral perspective. DESCRIPTORS Humanization of Assistance. Infant, Newborn. Neonatal Nursing