THE IMPORTANCE OF NURSING CARE IN THE HEALTH-ILLNESS PROCESS IN INTENSIVE CARE PATIENTS

Abstract

Nursing care in intensive care units (ICUs) is one of the fundamental pillars for the recovery and stability of critically ill patients. The ICU environment requires continuous and highly specialized support to prevent complications, ensure patient safety, and promote humanized care. The objective of this study is to discuss, through a narrative literature review, the importance of nursing care in the intensive care context, addressing aspects such as continuous monitoring, humanization of care, professional training, and ethical challenges. The research was conducted based on scientific articles published in the last ten years in databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS. The results indicate that the performance of the nursing team directly influences the clinical evolution of patients, highlighting the need for institutional policies aimed at the qualification and valorization of these professionals.