The meaning of family care in the neonatal intensive unit: nurses beliefs

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to understand the meaning of family care for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nursing staff, to identify how this meaning affects their practice and to know the beliefs that guide the meaning of family care in the NICU. The study used the Symbolic Interactionism as its theoretical framework, and the Grounded Theory as its methodological approach. Through comparative analysis, it was possible to disclose the meaning of family care for the nursing staff. Four themes were identified: being responsible for the baby, involving the family in the baby´s care, preparing the family for the baby's discharge and realizing that care is provided haphazardly. These themes allowed us to understand that the NICU nurse focuses on the baby and that the family is considered as a link to care for the baby after discharge, and the consequent importance of enabling family members to take care of the baby.