This study aimed to know and understand the actions of nursing auxiliaries and technicians who work in the intensive care unit of the school hospital at the University of São Paulo in relation to ethical events. Data were collected through interviews with eight nursing auxiliaries and technicians (NAs and NTs), with experience with ethical events, and were analyzed according to sociological phenomenology. Participants' experiences permitted to uncover the following concrete categories of meaning: minimization of the risk in these events for patients, openness/dialog within the nursing team, nurses' guidance and supervision of activities performed by NAs and NTs, valuing justice in interpersonal relationships, and respecting the right of patients to be informed about such events. The actions of NAs and NTs in ethical events revealed their intention to ensure delivery of safe care to patients.
ethics; nursing care; malpractice; imprudence