[Being a nursing worker in a sterile processing department: a phenomenological approach].
This study investigated the experience of nursing workers at the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) of a hospital in Londrina, State of Paraná, using the qualitative phenomenological method. Ten interviews were conducted. The analysis of the discourses made possible to build four categories: 1) How the individual came to be part of the department - describes the various ways one may come to work in the unit; 2) Speaking about the work involved in the SPD - describes the turnover, the multiple simultaneous tasks that must be performed and the preference for certain areas; the closed atmosphere; the technological evolution; and the interpersonal relationships; 3) Dealing with difficulties - describes the daily routine; the repetitive and monotonous work; the physical exhaustion; the lack of supplies and equipment; the adjustment period; and the under-appreciation, discrimination, and ignorance of other health workers about their work; 4) Overcoming the obstacles - reveals that through greater awareness of their role in the Department these professionals are able to recognize their importance.
Lopes
Dolores Ferreira de Melo
DF
Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo (EEUSP), PR, Brasil. lopesdolores@yahoo.com.br
Silva
Arlete
A
Garanhani
Mara Lúcia
ML
Merighi
Miriam Aparecida Barbosa
MA
D006748:Hospital Departments; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009729:Nursing; D013242:Sterilization