[Organizational context and care management by nurses at emergency care units]. / Contexto organizacional e gerência do cuidado pelos enfermeiros em unidades de pronto atendimento.

The purpose of this study was to understand the meanings attributed to the organizational context and the role of nurses in care management at emergency care units.This study was based on qualitative research and the Grounded Theory methodological framework. Data were collected from September 2011 to June 2012 by means of semi-structured interviews with 20 participants from two emergency care units (UPA) in southern Brazil, divided into three sample groups. The context is marked by constraints that hinder communication and interaction between professionals and the search of assistance by patients with demands that are not resolved at other levels of care. This scenario highlights the performance of nurses in the managerial dimension of their work, who assume the responsibility for managing care and coordinating professional actions in favour of improved care practices.

[Intervening conditions on governance of the nursing practice at an obstetrics centre]. / Condições intervenientes à governança da prática de enfermagem no centro obstétrico.

Governance refers to all processes that grant nurses autonomy, control and authority over the nursing practice. The aim of this study was to identify intervening conditions on governance of nursing practice at an obstetrics centre. This is a qualitative study based on the grounded theory method. Data were collected between January and May 2013 by means of semi-structured interviews with 27 participants of a university hospital in southern Brazil, divided into four sampling groups. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. Governance is reinforced by experience and professional autonomy, coordination of the care and management dimension, interpersonal communication, satisfaction and engagement with the profession. It is limited by difficulties with interpersonal relationships, work overload and precarious physical structure of the maternity units. This study provides arguments for the discussion on improvements in healthcare and the professional satisfaction of nurses and nursing teams.