NURSING PERFORMANCE IN THE CARE OF PRETERM NEWBORN INFANTS

Abstract

Introduction: Prematurity is one of the main determining factors of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period and precautions with adequate care for the newborn are one of the challenges to reduce such rates. Objective: To analyze the performance of the nursing team in the care of premature newborns in the NICU. Methods: This was a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out with 12 nursing professionals, technicians and nurses who work in the Neonatal ICU sector. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews conducted between August and October 2022. The data were transcribed in full, processed using the IRAMUTEQ software using Descending Hierarchical Classification and analyzed with the understanding of meanings proposed by Minayo. Results: The technical professional category (58.33%) prevailed and the majority worked in the sector for 1 to 2 years (50.00%). Half of the participants were single (50.00%) and most of the professionals were female (83.33%). Data processing allowed the grouping of four classes. In an interpretative reduction process, the presence of two main thematic categories for understanding was verified, namely: Nursing performance in the NICU sector and its difficulties in care (Class 3) and Nursing care provided in the NICU (Classes 1, 2 and 4). Conclusion: It was possible to understand the performance of nursing in the NICU sector and its difficulties in care, including the care provided in the NICU, relating them to the multidimensionality, fragility and singularity of premature birth, enabling humanized treatment for the baby and its family.