Sentimentos dos pais de recém-nascidos prematuros internados em uma UTI Neonatal e o papel da enfermagem.

Abstract

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is characterized as a technologically advanced care center equipped with state-of-the-art devices aimed at providing assistance to at-risk newborns who present some degree of hemodynamic instability. Consequently, due to exposure to invasive procedures, multiple monitoring devices, and physical separation between parents and their child, parents experience various feelings such as insecurity, sadness, and stress. Objectives: To analyze how parents of premature newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) feel regarding the hospital admission and the role of nursing in providing emotional support. Methods: This is a qualitative and descriptive study conducted in May and June 2025 with parents of newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a referral maternity hospital in the state of Piauí. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide with both open and closed questions, divided into three parts: the first part contained the parents' sociodemographic data, the second part included questions related to the newborn's clinical data, and the third part consisted of open-ended questions related to the study objectives, such as the feelings triggered at the time of the child's hospitalization. The data obtained were analyzed based on Content Analysis Technique. Results: The qualitative analysis of the interviews resulted in the construction of four thematic categories: 1) Parents’ feelings regarding their child’s admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); 2) Stressors in the NICU environment; 3) Coping strategies used by parents; and 4) Parents’ perception of the NICU team. The results showed that the most recurrent feelings among parents were fear, sadness, and emotional pain. The identified stressors were: the constant noise from the equipment, the movement within the sector, and the scheduled routine for visits. As coping mechanisms, spirituality, family support, bonding with other parents, and the healthcare team’s welcoming approach were highlighted. The perception of the NICU team was generally positive, with recognition of the professionals’ dedication, empathy, and availability. However, despite the expressed appreciation, many participants had difficulty distinguishing the nursing staff. Final Considerations: The study allowed us to understand that the hospitalization of a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) triggers intense emotional disturbances in the parents, marked by fear, sadness, and anxiety. However, strategies such as spirituality, family support, and professional welcoming proved to be fundamental in coping with this moment. Parents’ perception of the NICU team was positive, especially regarding empathy, attentive listening, and clarity of information. Nonetheless, some difficulty was observed among the respondents in specifically distinguishing the nursing staff’s role. The results reinforce the importance of sensitive and humanized care, especially by the nursing team, which works most directly with the parents and newborns, contributing to a welcoming and safe environment during hospitalization.