The first professional experience of nurses in Primary Care

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Describe the nurse's first professional experience in Primary Care. METHOD: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected from August to September 2019 through a semi-structured interview applied to nine nurses working in Family Health Units in Monte Azul, Minas Gerais, Brazil. RESULTS: The first professional experience in Primary Care is a challenge and an opportunity to affirm professional identity. It generates anxiety, fear and insecurity. The difficulties are related to the professionals' lack of familiarity with the attributes of Primary Care, management and care. CONCLUSION: Despite being a challenge, the first professional experience in Primary Care can provide the Nurse with the opportunity to develop and improve skills and abilities that are essential for professional growth, even when the professional already has a professional experience other than in this field of work.