This article describes the physical environment, material and human resources of the structure for the preparation of medicaments. It is an exploratory descriptive study. Data were collected through scripts structured for observation and interview carried out with a sample of 92 (76%) nurse auxiliaries and all nurses of, two hospitals in Recife, PE, Brazil. Results showed that the environment in which medication is prepared is in disagreement with current legislation, the available materials need to be reviewed and professionals need to get their knowledge updated. It is concluded that the structure in the system of medication is essential and the factors pointed out in the study interfere with the quality of the process of medication.
health facilities; human resources; manpower; organization and administration; therapeutics; nursing