The present study is related to the academic education of nursing students who participated in a public service program designed for parents of high-risk newborns assisted in neonatal units. It is a descriptive study that has as its objective to analyze the contribution of such professional experience for those students. The subjects of this investigation were nursing students aged 18 to 22 years old. These students performed ludic, educational and leisure activities with parents of high-risk newborns assisted in a university school in the city of Ribeirão Preto. Data were collected by means of a questionnaires through which the subjects reported their experience in the project (advantages, disadvantages and contributions to their education). The answers were analyzed through the thematic analysis technique. Results showed that the program expanded students' view concerning nursing care and hospital care (beyond disease). It also improved interpersonal relationships; promoted the development of skills and the acquisition of knowledge and values. Thus contributing to students' academic education and creativity.
care to parents; professional education; neonatal nursing