Nursing care for patient in post operatory heart surgery in the Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the critical nodes related to nursing care for patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. METHODS Exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Data collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 members of the nursing team working in the Intensive Care Unit. Material submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS Three categories emerged: Flaws in the professional qualification for patient care in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery; Team challenges concerning specific patient care in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery; and (dis) organization of work in the Intensive Care Unit and its impact on nursing care for patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS Given the identification of the critical nodes, the professionals presented suggestions to overcome daily difficulties: investments in strategies for Permanent Education in Health; creation of tools to guide patient assistance in the postoperative of cardiac surgery; and provision of adequate human resources.