Profile of human resources for neonatal intensive care units of Cuiaba, MT

Abstract

The assistance to newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is complex and requires technologies and adequate infrastructure. But for this assistance becomes effectively good, it is necessary highly qualified human resources. This is a descriptive study of quantitative character that aims at tracing the profile of the human resources set at the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in Cuiabá/MT. Data were collected in August and September 2008, by means of the application of a questionnaire to nurses. The content was analyzed through graphs and tables, based on the norms for care to the newborn. The results showed that the morning and afternoon shifts have more professionals of all categories of assistance; not all NICUs have a nurse specifically responsible for the unit, and have daily a psychologist and second pediatrician. There is a considerable percentage of nursing personnel working 40 hours per week. Most nursing technicians / nursing assistants earn one or double minimum wage, and nurses earn from four to five minimum wages. It is concluded that the nursing staff represents 70% of the healthcare team and that most services have not the professionals recommended by the norms.

Descriptors: Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Nursing, Team; Human Resources; Infant, Newborn.