Practices of Intensive Care Nurses in the Face of Technologies: Analysis in the Light of Social Representations1

The aim was to analyze the social representations of nurses ́ care practices in the face of the technologies applied to the clients hospitalized in intensive therapy. Qualitative field research in the framework of the social representations theory. Semistructured interviews were held with 21 nurses of an intensive therapy unit at a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Thematic content analyses were applied, which showed that the technologies are devices that translate the signs from the client’s body, which nurses base themselves on for care. The ways of assisting indicate bureaucratic and care actions demanded by the technologies, which imply detachment from and proximity to the client. It was concluded that there is an idealized image of the intensive therapy client linked to the technologies, organized in the professional training and supported by the clinic practice of the intensive therapy unit.