Objective

To describe the experience of Primary Healthcare System nurses of Viña del Mar, Chile, when participating in the Comprehensive Care Model, in order to analyze strengths and weaknesses from the point of view of health professionals.

Materials and Methods

Qualitative-descriptive study with a theoretical sample composed by 10 primary care nurses. Focal groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

In the context of the Comprehensive Care Model, a professional nurse was defined as a competent person who also establishes aid ties with families, making them feel satisfied. However, it was demonstrated that the shortage of this type of professionals is an obstacle to performance in the territorial areas of the community. It was evidenced that the Healthcare Model is still at a theoretical level rather than at a practical one, where assistance and the achievement of goals are above promotion and prevention activities.

Conclusions

Better staffing of professional nurses in the Primary Healthcare System will allow relying on a wider team of experts for promotion and prevention purposes, without weakening their assistance role. Cross-sectional work needs to be rooted in community institutions, strengthening joint efforts between authorities, care facilities and community representatives to support the work of the health team.