The (Re/de)construction process of the professional identity of nursing in the brazilian news media: 1980-1986

Abstract

Objective: Identify how the formulation process of the professional identity of nursing took place through news items related to the regulation of the profession between 1980 and 1986. Method: Qualitative, historical, documentary research, guided by the socio-historical research process. Results: Of the 2994 news items that were located, 122 were analyzed that had been published in the newspaper Folha de São Paulo. The importance of the movements and claims of the nursing category and its representative organs was highlighted, which culminated in the approval of the new law of professional nursing practice in 1986. The news items on care and research activities were also highlighted, including scientific events, particularly the Brazilian Nursing Congresses. Contributions to the development and evolution of nursing as a profession were also evidenced, which influenced the professional identity process. The professional identity during this period was marked by the empowerment of nursing and its categories, based on struggles and actions in search of better work conditions and a better quality of care. Conclusion: Based on the actions of the nursing category and its representative organs, the update process of the professional nursing regulation could be legitimized and pushed forward. The regulation of professional practice resulted from the movements of categories and representative organs, besides daily nursing practice in care, education and research, being considered essential for the historical construction of the professional nursing identity.