The obstetrical nursing identity in a Birth CenterObjective to understand obstetrical nursing identity in the area of its performance in a Birth Center.
Method a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out between March and August 2022 with 09 nurse-midwives from the Centro de Parto Normal Haydeê Pereira Sena, Pará, Brazil. Content analysis and discussion based on Claude Dubar’s identity were used.
Results two categories emerged: Professional identity: a matter of social construction, which portrays the social scope of identity construction through experiences as a student and as a nurse and their relationships in the work process; and The identity of obstetrical nursing in the field of its performance in a Birth Center, favoring humanization, scientific evidence for women’s autonomy, which is only provided by the birth center’s structuring policy, and coping with other professional classes, to guarantee and legitimize nurse-midwives’ work.
Conclusion and implications for practice understanding nurses’ professional identity in the birth center is the central point to ensure their appreciation and their performance with respect, legitimizing their right, because, with a solid identity, greater quality and changes in the hegemonic obstetric model are guaranteed.
Keywords:
Professional Identity; Natural Childbirth; Obstetric Nursing; Humanization of Assistance; Humanizing Delivery