This was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach that aimed to understand how nursing professionals (nurses and technicians) perceive the humanization policy within the scenario of an intensive care unit (ICU) and their importance in this process. It was developed in a private institution in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, with 18 participants. Data were gathered through a structured interview. Issues relating to elements and characteristics that define humanization came out from the analysis, along with questions present within the process that facilitate it or cause difficulties. It was concluded that empathy, respect and value recognition are essential elements and that nursing professionals believe that they can make a difference in the process of humanization, with a view to improvements in care practices based on ethics, dialogue and the autonomy of patients, their family and the nursing team.
Humanization of assistance; Intensive Care Units; Nursing; Hospital care
