Conhecimento dos enfermeiros do Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes sobre sistematização da assistência de Enfermagem

Nursing as a profession goes in search on quality of their care through new frameworks, trying to break postures of the health care system so fragmented in the care. To change professional practices, it is necessary to build their own knowledge grounded on Nursing Care System. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of nurses' knowledge on care systematization in nursing in the University Hospital Natal-RN. It is an analytical descriptive study carried out at the Onofre Lopes University Hospital (HUOL), Natal-RN, 2010, the sample was composed of 40 active nurses working in hospitalization units of the hospital, the inclusion criteria were being in the monthly scale sector and agree to participate in the study. The non-participant observation and another interview were used for collecting data, statistical analysis was descriptive and inferential with reliability test, Pearson test, chi-square and Fischer, the variables that correlated were analyzed in a model Multiple logistic , calculating odds ratio. The results were: predominance of female professionals (90%), predominantly in the age range 39-46 years (37.5%), nurses who have the undergraduate degree at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (80%), and who have expertise training as a minimal degree (62.5%). Among the surveyed, the knowledge showed significance with the graduation time (p = 0.018) and time working in HUOL (p = 0.036). The majority of the professionals surveyed do not know which organ is responsible for the SAE legislation (52.5%), aware of the steps needed to build the nursing diagnosis (92.5%), understand the characteristics of nursing planning (90% ). However the same professionals do not perform physical examination in patients (50.0%) did not classify the clinical findings (68.4%), and identify the problems encountered as a classification (13.2%). The planning of nursing care is carried out by verbal order of nurses (82.5%), 41% of the professionals assess only the intervention stage, in other words, the actions taken. Regarding the practical application of nursing records 53% of nurses do not realize records, 30.8% is incomplete, the other held notes (p = 0.003). The nurses know the nursing process (90% of appropriate responses), despite the actions defined by the theory are not applied in practice. Investigators believe the condition of the hospital teacher (22.5%) could positively affect the implementation of the SAE associated with the interest of professionals (20%). Of the respondents, 17.5% accept as truth the lack of facilities to assist the SAE implementation in the hospital. It was concluded that nurses know the theory that underlies the SAE and the nursing process, but do not develop the service know as well, there is need for action to boost the SAE implementation as practice of nurses in the hospital investigated

Representações sociais sobre a prática do cuidado para enfermeiros da saúde indígena: um estudo transcultural

The desire to research on this subject arisen from the experience as nursing in the indigenous health, where I observed that many professionals from all regions of Brazil chose to work within this zone. It was notorious the nurse s difficult to settle in only one place for a long length of time. Probably due to health care in indigenous zones happens from a cultural confront. This confront materialize because both sides are imbued with their own culture: in one hand the nurse professional with its scientific knownledgment on the other the indigenous with their rituals and peculiars habits. In this context nurses should delineate and negotiate the reality through symbolic representations of life, and then make questions on the new reality. In this way, this study set out with the aim of apprehends the nurse s social representations of transcultural care in indigenous health. This knownledgment is important to avoid possible conflicts, shocks, difficulties and health care incongruence within this context. The data collect was carried out on a range of non structured interview guided by a pre-elaborated questionnaire with four questions and a hand drawing related to nurse s health care in the indigenous health. This research had a sample of 17 nurses from the Indigenous Sanitary District of Manaus in the Amazon State. To interpret data we used the Discourse of the Collective Subject, which findings were presented in three chapters: characterization of participants, discussion on themes prevalent in discourse; social representation of nursing care through infographics. The analysis revealed that the care in the indigenous health is challenging because the native people imbued in its world are perceived and processed according to the nurse s cultural lens, leading to materialize of some strangeness and adaptation difficulties, especially in the first contacts. The Social Representation on nursing practice, in many cases, is projected and contrived on the basis of scattered believes and on perception derived from common sense. The findings shows that representions are essential to mitigating the initial strangeness and help nurses to better situate themselves in the new universe. The nurse s practice in the indigenous health care should merge into each other. From the Social Representations is possible to perceive that assimilation, also comprehension on indigenous health system and its traditional knowledge are important to developing strategies to improve access and quality of care for indigenous peoples. After analysis the nurse s discourses and drawings, it is possible to represent the nurse s practice in the indigenous health as anthropophagism, since nurses should literally consuming its patients culture, digesting it and seize it as means to provide culturally congruent care. We highlight the urgent need for preparation and training of professionals to work more effectively with indigenous peoples

Confiabilidade interobservador da escala do equilíbrio de Berg entre fisioterapeutas com extensa e escassa prática clínica

This study aimed at assessing the interobserver reliability of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The assessment was made by physiotherapists with extensive or little clinical experience in non-institutionalized elderly individuals. Participants comprised 12 elderly subjects (10 women and 2 men) with mean ages of 75.8 ± 8.4 years (range = 63-87) and 18 physiotherapists with varying clinical experience. Inter-examiner reliability obtained for each scale item yielded weighted kappa value > 0.75 in 11 of the 14 items (varying from 0.37 to 1.0). The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total sum of BBS scores between the two groups of physiotherapists was 0.996 (95% confidence interval, 0.987 0.999) with a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.996. We found no difference between the rater groups when we compared the sum score means obtained with the student s T-test (p = 0.86). Although some items had low reliability values, in general our results suggest that the Brazilian Version of the BBS showed good levels of interrater reliability and agreement when used by physiotherapists with different clinical practice levels and without previous training on non-institutionalized elderly patients. We concluded that the BBS can be useful as an important evaluation instrument on a protocol for Rehabilitation clinics. It may be used by various health professionals, as: Physicians, Physical therapists, Physical educators, Occupational therapists, Nurses and Phonoaudiologists, so confirming the interdisciplinary character of this study

Prática do enfermeiro do Programa Saúde da Família PSF na promoção da saúde do adolescente

Attention to the health of adolescents, based on paradigm flexneriano, needs to be overcome. Since the International Conference of Ottawa (1986), the literature is developing a discussion of the promotion of health, based on the paradigm of social production in health, suggests a design to overcome the health care traditional practices. Program Health of the Family PSF has this purpose to transmute the model of existing assistance, where the nurse is an essential element to the work done in the program. Around this context, it is our purpose to analyze the practice of nurse of the PSF for the promotion of health of adolescents, produced by a search of descriptive quantitative approach with the inclusion of qualitative data. Interviews were conducted with 9 nurses 3 units of health of the family USF, Mossoró-RN and applied questionnaires with 74 teenagers aged between 15 and 19 years old, with some nearby public schools where USF operate these nurses. The quantitative descriptions were transformed on tables, pictures and graphics using the program Excel (Microsoft) and the qualitative were worked through the technique of analyzing the content of Bardin (2004). The review was realized using the reference to promote health brought by the study. The results show that the most common problems that happen with teenagers are the drugs (33,8%), pregnancy (27,0%) and political problems-socio-economic-cultural issues (24,3%). Adolescents are spontaneous demand and rarely seek the USF. The actions presented by the nurses as, lectures and groups, are nothing comparing to the macro-problems presented by adolescents, and verticalized irregular. The nurses know the promotion of health generally, not explaining how operate it from its daily practice. Concluded that the practice of nurse of the PSF has not yet reach the promotion of health of the adolescent, being necessary to scheduling modules on the subject to continuous training of teams, professionals from USF, as well as teachers and other staff of schools, giving space to the participation of academic. The discussions should be socialized with the community to discuss possibilities of confrontation of the problems, which also require socio-structural changes. This research can contribute as work-diagnosis, which experienced the reality of care in nursing PSF to a specific group

Prática do acolhimento à pessoa idosa na atenção básica: uma estratégia de humanização

The aging of the population already is a fact, before considered a phenomenon, today, is part of the reality of the majority of the societies in the world. The present study it has as objective to analyze the practical one of the shelter developed for the team to multidiscipline for the elderly in the Strategy of Health of the Family. One is about a descriptive and exploratória inquiry, developed by means of quantitative boarding. The population of this study consisted of nineteen teams that work in the inserted ESF in the urban zone of the city of Sousa-PB, understanding a complete of 133 professionals. The collection of date was carried through through a questionnaire contends closed questions, referring to the partner-demographic date e, specific open questions. The main results indicate that the professionals of Health of the city of Sousa, PB, that had participated of this study had consisted in a complete of 76. Amongst these, 20% are nurses, followed of the odontólogos in 6%; 35% are ACS and technician of nursing with 19%. The age of the interviewed ones meets in the age band enters, 21 and 30 years, in 43%. The majority is of the feminine sex with a 84% total. Already in accordance with civil state 34% is married. If treating to the wage, the doctor has of greater of 12 wages. The participants present the percentile greater of formed time of with referring 33% of 1 the 3 years of formation. E finally, the changeable time of performance, if had detached 39% of the participants with 08 the 11 years. With regard to as if it processes the reception and attendance to the person in the ESF, we can observe that, with priority attendance was prominence with 27% of the participants, followed of a considerate attendance with 26%. Already in relation to the actions that are developed daily in the ESF, these they are come back toward the HIPERDIA with 40%, followed of actions ruled in orientation with 27%. Some actions they are carried through in accordance with the aged necessity of each (13%) and through visits domiciliary (9%). It was asked to them as the shelter was facilitated in the UBS, these had told that it is through the attention that is excused the aged one (35%), and finally, as this made it difficult age, in its majority with 37% they had not wanted to answer, followed of the lack of understanding with 26%. With this study it was possible to conclude that the practical one developed for the professionals of the ESF of the city of Sousa, PB with the elderly, is characterized by an assistance ruled in the clinical aspect, little focused in the actions that to permeate the PNH

Abordagens pedagógicas na formação de enfermeiros : compreensão de docentes de enfermagem

In the new world order is notorious changes in social, ethical, economical and political aspects in the society, which reach incisively higher education, requiring a number of modifications and a new vision in nursing education, in order to meet the demands of the Unique Health System. Thus, the Higher Education Institutes (HEI) and teachers are invited to face new challenges and reflect on their practices, using pedagogical approaches and innovative methodologies to meet the requirements of a globalized society. This study has as an objective to analyze the perspective of teachers in what concern the pedagogical approaches used in nursing education and to identify pedagogical approaches utilized by teachers in nursing education. This is a field research of exploratory kind, descriptive, of quantitative approach. The search was conducted at the Department of Nursing of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte UFRN, based in the city of Natal. The population consisted of forty-six teachers. From this population was selected a sample of twenty teachers. Data collection occurred from August to September 2011, through the utilization of the technique of interview and questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed in two moments. In the first moment, was carried out the quantitative analysis that refers to the obtained data through the interview technique, methodological procedures were submitted to the content analysis proposed by Bardin. On the second moment, concerning the quantitative analysis of the questionnaires applied to the teachers and of the identification data, which were digitized and transferred to a spreadsheet electronic of Microsoft Excel XP, tabulated and organized into tables, containing their relative and absolute frequencies. It is worth mentioning that were respected the aspects of the CNS Resolution 196/96. With regard to the characteristics of research participants, 20% were male; with a degree of titration of 55% doctorates; regarding time of service there was a greater representation from 15 to 45 years, with 45%. The results showed that 90% of teachers who participated in the research have an appropriate understanding of non-critical pedagogical approaches, only 10% had an inadequate understanding. However, 70% of teachers, despite having an adequate understanding, reported difficulties when attempting to implement these pedagogies. Most teachers, with representability of 80% consider the non-critical pedagogies relevant in nursing education, as well as critical pedagogies, being represented by 95% of teachers. It was concluded that both critical and non-critical pedagogies are in teachers practice of undergraduate nursing education. It feels like a moment of transition, since the presence of new ways of teaching as a part of this educational context, with educational models that give value to scientific, ethical and personal aspects in the educational process. The research contains limitations, however highlights the contribution of new possibilities for action, reflection on the context of performance, maximizing the pedagogical skills necessary to conduct teaching process, in line with the new educational paradigm of higher education

Em busca do conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem na sua prática assistencial às vítimas de traumatismo raquimedular

The great demand of accidents resulting in victims with rachi-medullar traumatism (RMT) and the need for indetifying how they are being assisted, led us to proceed with this investigation. It had as its goal to identify and analyze the knowledge of nurses and nurse assistents regarding the nursing assistance to these patients. It consists of a descriptive exploratory study, with a quantitative method and prospective data. For its execution, 193 subjects were interviewed, 37 of them nurses and 157 nurse assistents in 02 hospitals of the metropolitan zone of Natal. The results reveal that the subjects are not coherent when questioned whether they are prepared to assist victim of RMT and the content described by order of piority regarding the steps followed in the assistance of these victims, both in the pre-hospital and hospital care. Thus, we observe that only 06 nurses and 07 assistents, described correctly all the steps necessary to pre-hospital care and only 01 nurse and 02 assistents registered all the steps in the correct sequence regarding the hospital care. We conclude that, in face of the obtained results, we can urgently modify this reality, improving the nursing staff and giving them better work conditions

A intenção e o gesto :ações gerenciais de enfermeiros em espaços hospitalares

The present study analyses the supervisory practice of the nurse in the hospital environment. It has, as its main objective identify the use of planning, supervision and evaluation, as managerial instruments in the daily nursing practice. It tries also to identify the importance given to these instruments in their supervisory actions and the difficulties encountered in their use. It deals with an exploratory and analytical investigation with a qualitative approach having as its main point of analysis the principles of strategic planning. In order for it to be done 10 nurses were interviewed, distributed in three public hospitals in the city of Natal/RN. The results show that, although the nurses recognize the importance of the managerial instruments, they do not put them into practice in an effective and systematic way. They justify it because of the existence of personal, professional and institutional difficulties. On the other hand we could conclude from what they say that there is the desire to overcome the eminently burocratic vision of the management. Thus, they express a feeling for change and point in the direction of looking for ways that will contribute to innovate this practice

Enfermeiros pós-graduados: continuidades e rupturas no cotidiano profissional de hospitais universitários

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar as transformações do cotidiano profissional do enfermeiro do hospital universitário após a realização do curso de mestrado. Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa, realizado no Complexo Hospitalar Universitário da UFRN, composto pelo Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes (HUOL), Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco (MEJEC), e Hospital de Pediatria Professor Heriberto Ferreira Bezerra (HOSPED) localizados em Natal-RN; e pelo Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra (HUAB) situado em Santa Cruz-RN. A população foi composta por vinte e dois enfermeiros, com título de mestre em enfermagem, que trabalham nessas instituições. Após encaminhamento e aprovação pelo Comitê de ética em pesquisa, conforme Parecer nº 268.498 e CAAE: 13922713.1.0000.5537, as entrevistas foram iniciadas, utilizando-se um roteiro semiestruturado, organizado em questões orientadas em conformidade com os objetivos do estudo. Do material empírico, emergiram as categorias que foram trabalhadas com base na análise de conteúdo temática, tendo como aporte teórico os estudos de Agnes Heller acerca do cotidiano e os de Paulo Freire sobre educação e mudanças, buscando a possível interlocução entre esses autores. Os resultados demonstram que o cotidiano dos enfermeiros nos hospitais universitários, após cursarem o mestrado, modifica-se a partir da própria motivação em cursálo e do apoio institucional recebido. As continuidades e rupturas apontadas estão distribuídas nas categorias: a inércia da cotidianidade, na qual os enfermeiros relatam a dificuldade em mudar seu cotidiano devido à rotina exaustiva e à falta de apoio; reconhecem mudanças particulares, compreendendo a formação de um olhar crítico/reflexivo/analítico, e a qualificação para o ensino e pesquisa; e as rupturas do cotidiano, que se referem às mudanças ocorridas no serviço, como a melhoria da assistência, pela implantação de resultados; e uma prática diferenciada por ter um profissional qualificado. Portanto, considera-se que a realização do mestrado contribuiu para o crescimento do intelectual e profissional do enfermeiro e, consequentemente, para o serviço, no cotidiano do Complexo Hospitalar Universitário, sendo reconhecido pelos enfermeiros o compromisso com uma maior responsabilidade social. Porém, ainda são necessárias reflexões sobre maneiras de minimizar as dificuldades apontadas, como forma de incentivar essa qualificação

Segurança do paciente no sistema de medicação: análise de enfermeiros de um hospital de ensino

This study aimed to identify and describe the factors related to Patient Safety in a medication system according to the nurses analysis in a teaching hospital from the photographic analysis method. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with mixed approach in a teaching hospital in Rio Grande do Norte. The population consisted of 42 nurses from inpatient units, of which 34 composed the study sample. As eligibility criteria, we defined nurses from public service and nurses who agreed to participate. Ethical determinations were observed, the study was submitted to the Ethics and Research of the University Hospital Onofre Lopes, obtaining the assent with ethical assessment certificate (CAAE 0098.0.051.294-11). For data collection, we used the photographic method (Photographic Analysis Technique) by Patricia Marck (Canada). It was developed in two phases: at first, we randomly captured photos from the medication system, resulting in 282 images; then we selected/processed the photographs, which were reduced to 10 images in Microsoft Excel 2010; in the second phase, the nurses answered the questionnaire divided into socio-professional profile and Digital Photography Scoring Tool (questions a and b ). For analysis of the question a , we used the content analysis technique, and for b , we used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0 (temporary license). The socio-professional profile revealed the predominance of females; age group 34-43 years; professionals with specialization; 10-18 years of length of service; and nurses working exclusively in the hospital and who know the Patient Safety. The photographic analysis in relation to Patient Safety resulted in specific categories for each stage of the medication system. Regarding disposal, we identified Proper verification ; Improper verification ; Correct identification ; Disposal in single doses ; and Improper Environment , with predominance of that last category. As for storage: Proper storage ; Improper storage ; Risk of exchange/disappearance ; and Poor hygiene , with special reference to improper storage. In preparation: Risk of exchanging medication/patient ; Inappropriate physical space ; and Inadequate 9 preparation of controlled drugs , highlighting the first category. In drug administration: Lack of Personal Protective Equipment ; Use of Personal Protective Equipment ; Improper administration technique ; Proper administration technique ; Correct drug identification ; Incorrect drug identification ; and Peripheral venous access without identification . From the safety assessment of 10 photographs, by adapting the scores (1-10) to the Likert Scale, we identified three Totally Unsafe (Level 1), three Unsafe (Level 2), three Partially Safe (Level 3), one Safe (Level 4), and no photograph considered Totally Safe. This study identified the prevalence of unsafety in the medication system in the nurses opinion. We were also able to understand that, although nurses identify safety aspects, the most prevalent categories characterize an unsafe assessment. Nursing needs to reflect on its practice, identifying gaps in the medication system in order to achieve a proper and safe care

Cuidado de enfermagem ao potencial doador de órgãos em morte encefálica: uma reflexão sobre a prática

Despite of the technological advances that favor the transplant process, there are issues of effectiveness of care necessary for the maintenance of potential organ donors with brain death, which contribute to the no realization of transplants of organs and tissues of these patients. It is presupposed that the problems could be related to perceptions and understandings that the professionals of the units of internment have about the care required by the diagnosis of brain death. The aim of this study was to understand the meaning of the nursing care of the potential organ donor with brain death to the nursing staff. Descriptive study with qualitative approach guided by Action Science Theory and the critic-reflexive research methodology accomplished with five nurses and 19 nursing technicians from Operative Rehabilitation Center in a public hospital at Natal / RN, Brazil, between March and May 2013. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with individual reflection about the care and through group interview, after approval by the Ethics and Research Committee, CAAE No.: 04255612.7.0000.5537. The analysis was performed in a thematic way according to Bardin. During the group meeting the participants were driven in a discussion about the need for change and how to perform them. The results indicate that the professionals actions are consistent with those required for maintenance of potential organ donors, although the material and human resources are not adequate. That situation leads the professionals to develop a meaning of care as one labor more, demanding more than they can give. They express beliefs and feelings concerning the hope that their care brings a greater good that is to save lives. The reflection for a possible change of action was difficult to accomplish due to professionals not to be able to self evaluate, what lead to direct your changes suggestions for other team members. It is concluded that the care provided to these patients is a difficult care, evidenced by suffering both death situation of the person cared and pain of their families, as the dehumanizing conditions of work, helping themselves to keep distance from patients to not suffer so much. The knowledge impregnated in their act, are scientific, ethical, aesthetic and personal kind with a predominance of the scientific followed by the personal. The study was also relevant to the practice of nursing in maintaining the potential donor, in that it allowed the identification of the knowledge used by nurses in their care practice and the meaning understanding of the professionals on the care provided, as a good action that brings satisfaction when the transplanting is executed. Other experiences are suggested with the critic-reflexive research methodology, both in research as in teaching nursing

A prática do enfermeiro da atenção primária à saúde nas consultas ao paciente com tuberculose

This study aimed to analyze the practice of nurses regarding the development of the nursing process in the consultation to the patient with tuberculosis. This is a descriptive study with quantitative approach, performed with 60 nurses of the Primary units of the city of Natal, RN Health. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. To collect data, we used a structured questionnaire, developed from the "Consultation of Nursing," the Nursing Protocol for the Treatment of Tuberculosis Directly Observed in Primary Care, Ministry of Health. The instrument was subjected to pre- -test and contained questions regarding the elements used by the nurse in consultation with the patient with tuberculosis and an open question about the feasibility of implementing the Nursing Process in Primary Health Care. data collection was conducted between September and October 2014, in health units work of each participant. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20. The answers to the open question were analyzed for themes and quantified for analysis. With respect to the elements of nursing process used in consultation with the patient with tuberculosis, were on the history of nursing at the expense of survey nursing diagnosis, action planning, implementation and evaluation. Step in the history of nursing, however, the actions were toward complaints and symptoms of the disease (100% of the nurses always investigating). Social and cultural aspects involved in for tuberculosis, as stigma and difficulties in routine work, were less addressed by nurses (43.3% never investigated suffering stigma; 46.7% sometimes investigating changes in the work routine patient ). The physical examination was focused on measuring patient weight (100% held). To the understanding of nurses on the implementation of the nursing process Primary Health Care, favorable factors were identified, such as that this implementation can promote greater scientific basis for nursing (36.7%); and hindering aspects, such as the understanding that Primary Health Care is pervaded by bureaucratic issues and high demand (13.3%). Be established in consultation with the nurse fragmentations, since elements as identification of nursing diagnoses, action planning and evaluation were not made in full by the professionals. Highlights the need for continuing education for nurses who are included in Primary Health Care, seeking to maximize the autonomy of these professionals in developing a practice grounded in scientific knowledge

A prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros na atenção primária à saúde no Brasil: caracterização, normatização, formação e lições aprendidas.

O papel do enfermeiro como prescritor vem se ampliando em muitos países nos últimos anos, em diferentes situações e amplitudes de ação, se configurando como prática avançada na enfermagem. No Brasil, a prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros está prevista na Lei do Exercício Profissional desde 1986, e permite a esse profissional, a prescrição de medicamentos estabelecidos em programas de saúde pública. Esse estudo tem como objetivo geral analisar as determinações e perspectivas da prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros nos protocolos da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Os objetivos específicos são: apreender a atual situação internacional da prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros em comparação a essa prática no Brasil identificando semelhanças e diferenças; identificar os contornos legais e normativos da prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros no Brasil apontando sua história, tendências e desafios; caracterizar o modelo de prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros nos protocolos de Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil; investigar possíveis lacunas entre formação, capacitação, autoavaliação e prática da prescrição de medicamentos na Atenção Primária à Saúde na perspectiva do enfermeiro. Trata-se de Estudo de Caso Exemplar com abordagem qualitativa através de Revisão Bibliográfica, Análise Documental e Grupo Focal com enfermeiros. A análise dos dados deu-se por meio da Análise de Conteúdo e Análise Qualitativa de Conteúdo. Os resultados revelam que a categoria da enfermagem contribuiu para a legalização da prescrição, porém não para a sua legitimação; na Atenção Primária à Saúde, essa atribuição está consolidada por meio de protocolos e legislação, embora sem estratégia clara de acompanhamento pelo Ministério da Saúde; observa-se resistência em algumas normatizações dentro do setor saúde. Quanto aos protocolos, observou-se não há exigência de pré-requisitos na maioria deles; há possibilidade de diagnóstico pelo enfermeiro na gravidez, nutrição infantil e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis; observou-se variados graus de autonomia; amplo grupo de medicamentos prescritos por enfermeiros. Dos 37 participantes do Grupo Focal, 97,3% eram do sexo feminino; 54% formados há menos de 10 anos, 27% entre 10 e 20 anos, 16,2% há mais de 20 anos; 83,8% com especialização em Saúde Pública. Todos os enfermeiros relataram insuficiência da disciplina de farmacologia para instrumentalizar a prática prescritiva. Destacou-se a necessidade de pós-graduação; a importância da experiência clínica; falta de discussões e capacitação. Apenas alguns se autoavaliaram como competentes para prescrever, outros revelam medo de reação adversa a medicamentos. Conclui-se que há tendência da prescrição de medicamento por enfermeiros permanecer apenas na legalidade e o principal desafio é alcançar a legitimidade. Confirma-se uma prática prescritiva sem requisitos, diversidade de orientações induzindo a multiplicidade de ações que pode afetar a qualidade da prescrição. Há lacunas entre formação, capacitações e exigências cotidianas da prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros na Atenção Primária à Saúde. No Brasil se faz premente pesquisa para avaliar o impacto, a qualidade e a segurança da prescrição de medicamentos por enfermeiros. A experiência internacional sugere também que essa prescrição deve ser apoiada pelo coletivo de enfermeiros, com robusto plano de capacitação nacional, além de governança e apoio local.