Objective.

To describe the human and institutional characteristics that influence the nurses in the application of the Nursing Care Process (PAE in Spanish) in a Hospital of the city of Medellin.

Methods.

Descriptive, cross-sectional study, sample constituted by 44 professional nurses of the healthcare field. An Ad Hoc instrument was applied, it allowed the analysis of sociodemographic variables and human and institutional characteristics that influence nurses in the application of PAE.

Results.

96% of the population is female, with a range of ages between 21 and 61 years old. As for the characteristics that have an unfavorable influence on the application of the PAE, 73% consider relevant carrying out nursing procedures and updating the Kardex, 70%, the amount of patients assigned, a 66% considered that the service performed has an impact, followed by medical assistance shifts and drug administration with 57% and 52%, respectively. 81.8% consider that the application of the PAE improves the quality care of patients.

Conclusion.

The nurses identify the PAE as an optimal and necessary instrument to guide nursing care, and achieve professional identity. However, its application is partial and not continuous, which is why it influences the patients care.

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