Theories are propositions created to evaluate nursing care, allowing nurses to consider and incorporate them in their professional practice. This Masters study was aimed at thinking critically about the practical usefulness of the concepts of Humanistic Nursing Theory. This descriptive-reflexive study was carried out in 2004 and used Meleis' model for the analysis of theories. The "critique of theory" segment was taken from this model to be used as an analytical tool, with emphasis on the "usefulness" parameter. The critical analysis revealed the notorious "usefulness" of interpersonal relations and dialogue, which can be used in daily practice at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, valuing the human affective relations, which are essential for nursing care. Nursing practice should be guided by theoretical, philosophical, and methodological reference frameworks, responsible for making professionals reflect critically on themselves and their practice.
nursing; nursing theory; infant, newborn
