WEAKNESSES, POTENTIALS, PERSPECTIVES, AND LIMITS OF THE NURSING PROCESS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT BY NURSES

Abstract

This article sought to understand the weaknesses, strengths, perspectives, and limits perceived by nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICU) regarding the Nursing Process (NP). This is a reflective and analytical study grounded in scientific literature, nursing regulatory documents, and a critical analysis of professional practice within the context of intensive care, through the lenses of bioethics, quality of care, and assistance. The results showed that the weaknesses are related to gaps in training, difficulties in clinical reasoning, and a limited understanding of the NP as a bureaucratic activity. Among the strengths, the highlights were the nurses' high technical-scientific knowledge, clinical experience, leadership, transdisciplinary work, and ethical commitment. Perspectives point toward strengthening permanent education, technological innovation, evidence-based practice, and professional recognition. The limits are centered on structural and organizational factors, such as workload, inadequate staffing, and insufficient institutional support. It is concluded that strengthening the NP in the ICU requires investments in professional qualification, better working conditions, institutional support, and the consolidation of an organizational culture committed to patient safety, quality of care, and the scientific autonomy of nursing.