ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the workload and size the nursing team using the scales TISS-28 and NEMS in a pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: An observational prospective study with a quantitative approach was conducted at the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital from Jan 1st, 2009 to Dec 31st, 2009. All children who remained hospitalized for more than 8 hours were included, with length of stay of 4 hours in case of death. Clinical data were collected and the Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 and the scores TISS-28 and NEMS were determined. The TISS-28 and NEMS were converted into working hours of the nursing team and sizing complied with the parameters of the Brazilian Federal Nursing Council. Pearson's correlation and the Bland-Altman model were used to verify the association and agreement between the instruments. Results: A total of 459 children were included, totaling 3,409 observations. The average values for the TISS-28 and NEMS were 20.8±8 and 25.2±8.7 points, respectively. The nursing workload was 11 hours by TISS-28 and 13.3 hours by NEMS. The estimated number of professionals by TISS-28 and NEMS was 29.6 and 35.8 professionals, respectively. The TISS-28 and NEMS showed adequate correlation and agreement. Conclusion: Time spent in nursing activities and team sizing reflected by the NEMS were significantly greater when compared to the TISS-28.
ABSTRACT Objective: To reflect on the environment of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in the light of the Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory. Methods: A theoretical-reflexive essay of constructs originated from the final work of a discipline related to the Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory and the current legislation regarding the environment of the unit. Results: The elements “lighting,” “noise,” “colors, and varieties of objects,” “location of nursing units,” and “odors” follow Florence Nightingale’s assumptions while the elements “ventilation,” “spacing between beds,” “furniture” underwent adaptations to suit the current structure of the unit. Final considerations: The environmental theory is a milestone in the history of nursing. Despite the transformations, such as the emergence of intensive care units and the permanence of the family in these units, the nursing team must maintain Florence Nightingale’s concern about the environment influencing the health/disease process and promoting an adequate environment for the care of the child and his family.