INTENSIVE CARE IN NON-CRITICAL UNITS: REPRESENTATIONS AND PRACTICES OF NOVICE GRADUATE NURSES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the practices of novice graduated nurses in view of their social representations on intensive care to the critical patient provided in non-critical patient units. Method: a qualitative research, based on social representations, with 26 novice graduated nurses at a private university in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Data collection made between 2016 and 2017 by a semi-structured interview and lexical analysis by Alceste software. Results: the context of the Intensive Care Unit influences social representations, which mobilizes identity aspects of this environment that stereotype the ward as a disorganized place and that does not have material resources and trained professionals. Thus, when novice undergraduates act and despite the effort and dedication fail to transfer the patient, fear and lack of confidence are exacerbated, resulting in actions that can bring risks to the patient. Conclusion: there are stereotypes in relation to the clinic that limit the care actions of the novice undergraduates in relation to the critical patient, and should be re-signified in generalist education. It is recommended to develop follow-up programs for novice graduated nurses.