THE NURSING TEAM’S INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS V. STRESS: LIMITATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This descriptive study aimed to analyze the relations between the interpersonal relationships and stress of the professionals of the nursing team of the intensive care unit in a teaching hospital in Natal, in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews held between September and October 2011 with 21 members of the nursing team. The data were treated using thematic content analysis. This analysis allowed the elaboration of two categories: The nursing team’s interpersonal relationships in the intensive care unit: reflections in the professionals’ practice; and Inadequate communication between the team members. It was possible to evidence the context of fragile relationships which exist within the nursing team as a result of successive times of stress experienced in their work dynamic. Thus, it is necessary for these professionals to raise their awareness and notice the importance of caring for themselves in their work environment.