ABSTRACT
Objective:
to identify strategies to promote the recognition and visibility of the nursing work performed in the Central Supply and Sterilization.
Method:
qualitative, descriptive research with nurses from a hospital in Southern Brazil, from October to November 2014, totaling 17 participants, data collection was performed through semi structured interviews and discursive textual analysis.
Results:
among the strategies, the exchange of experiences between the nurses of the Central Supply and Sterilization department and the nurses of other units were highlighted; Selection of workers was based on the criteria required for the on-site performance and Permanent Education Service, with topics focused on the sector. These strategies have led to changes in the way of perceiving a nursing area, which is still not very visible, although it is essential for the activities performed at the hospital. The visibility of the work performed in the Central Supply and Sterilization department is still distorted, as although the work developed in the sector is considered important by external professionals, many were not aware of the diversity of activities performed or had the specific knowledge required.
Conclusion:
the research evidenced the need for the nurses of the Central Supply and Sterilization department to engage, perceive and modify the image of the sector and the way in which the administration of health institutions has been dealing with the advances in the processing of medical and surgical articles.
DESCRIPTORS:
Nursing; Work; Sterilization; Nurse's role; Education