Cuidar da pessoa em situação crítica

: reflexão sobre o desenvolvimento de competências de enfermagem especializadas

Abstract

This report was written as part of the Master's Degree in Nursing with a specialisation in Medical-Surgical Nursing, in the area of Nursing for People in Critical Situations, given by the Nursing School (Porto) of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. This document reflects the training pathway integrated into the ‘Final Internship and Report’ Curricular Unit, highlighting the process of acquiring and developing the common and specific competences of the Nurse Specialising in Critical Care Nursing, in accordance with the Regulations of the Portuguese Nursing Association. The professional internship took place in two different contexts, the Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit and the Intensive Care Service and ran from 02-09-2024 to 26-03-2025. These environments provided the application of the most up-to-date scientific evidence, the articulation between theory and practice, and had as their central objective the development of specialised skills, with a focus on assisting the critically ill person, through the provision of care centred on the safety of the critically ill person and the prevention of complications, as well as the reinforcement of a critical, reflective and reasoned stance, proving to be a demanding, dynamic and enriching process. Two areas of particular interest and relevance stood out: inter-hospital transport of the critically ill person and care related to maintaining the patency of central venous catheters. These themes emerged from practical experience and the observation of needs and challenges in the clinical contexts attended and their development proved to be an important contribution to improving the quality and safety of the care provided, based on the best scientific evidence. This journey has reinforced the responsibility of the specialist nurse and Master of Nursing for the quality and safety of care, teamwork and the inclusion of families, emphasising the importance of constant updating and continuous learning. There is also a commitment to improving clinical practice, implementing good practices, participating in research projects and disseminating knowledge, always with a focus on evidence-based practice and orientated towards the best health outcomes. The preparation of this report was closely monitored by the supervising professors, whose guidance was fundamental to the realisation of the objectives set and the professional growth achieved.

Date of Award	11 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Irene Oliveira (Supervisor) & Vasco Silva-Neves (Co-Supervisor)