OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the figure-type of a nurse to work in intensive care environments, with reference to the social representations about technology. METHODS: As a reference, we applied the theory of social representations. A qualitative research approach was used, with interviews with 11 novice and 13 veteran nurses, analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The meanings attributed to the environment, patients and caring from the social representation of technology, demanded the need for a figure-type of "nurse", characterized by personal qualities such as: proactive, emotional balance, communication/relationship skills; techniques such as observation skills and leadership, speed, dynamism, technical and expressive skills, to work in the scenario of intensive care. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical competence in these critical units raises the evaluation of cognitive and psychomotor skills of nurses.
Biomedical technology; Intensive therapy units; trends; Nursing care