Objective:
to understand the perceptions of high-risk puerperal women about the hospital environment based on Florence Nightingale's theory. High-risk postpartum period is the period of time when post-partum women care for their babies in the neonatal ICU, and experience high stress levels.
Methods:
it is a qualitative study with narrative approach based on Florence Nightingale's theory, conducted at a public institution in southern Brazil, from January to March 2010. Seven mothers over 18 years with newborns admitted to the neonatal ICU were the research subjects.
Results:
the contextualization of their narratives, the caring environment in which they experienced this particular stage in their lives, indicates that high-risk puerperal women seek ties and support.
Conclusions:
the challenge of spending an indefinite period of time in a strange environment, away from home, with their babies under the care of health professionals, while apart from their relatives, highlights the need for nursing care during this stage.
Postpartum period; Nursing care; Intensive care units, neonatal; Environment