INFECTIONS IN THE NEONATAL ICU ASSOCIATED WITH NURSING STAFF MANAGEMENT: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) represent a serious public health problem, as they are major causes of morbidity and mortality in preterm newborns. This study aimed to analyze the association between nursing team management and the occurrence of these infections through an integrative literature review. Data collection took place between December 2025 and March 2026 in the VHL, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases, resulting in a final sample of 14 articles published between 2015 and 2025. The results indicated that invasive procedures, such as the use of central venous catheters, mechanical ventilation, and parenteral nutrition, are the main risk factors. The importance of Systematized Nursing Care (SNC) and preventive measures such as hand hygiene and the use of PPE was highlighted. However, work overload and resource shortages were identified as barriers to patient safety. It is concluded that nurses act as essential agents of change in the NICU, and investment in continuing education and the improvement of working conditions is imperative for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.