Práticas de cuidado: o papel do enfermeiro na atenção básica

Abstract

This research aimed at assessing care practices developed by nurses in primary care in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Qualitative study with a descriptive nature, conducted from 2009 to 2013. Data collection was made on the basis of semi-structured interviews with 30 nurses from 04 Municipal Health Centers and 02 Family Health Basic Units. Data were analyzed on the basis of content analysis. Nurses were found to perform a broad spectrum of care practices in primary care, among which nursing consultations, home visits, and educational activities stand out. Conclusions show that nurses face difficulty defining care in their practice, which confirms the need for further discussion of practices and nurses’ role in primary care.