[Analysis of conditions for introducing nursing procedures in Santa Cruz (Bolivia)]

To find out the expectations, constraints and training needs of nurses in four Health Care Centers in Santa Cruz in Bolivia, and to develop a pilot project to introduce nursing procedures and standardized care plans.

A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study and non-probability study using a closed questionnaire, with responses grouped according to six categories of analysis of problems for the introduction of nursing procedures, previously identified by in-depth interview with nursing staff managers and lecturers of the University. Data analysis was used the statistical program SPSS 15.0.

Ninety-five (97.9%) of the nurses surveyed considered it necessary to reinforce theoretical, practical and specific taxonomy management concepts prior to the introduction of nursing procedures. A negative element for the introduction into practice highlights the poor use of training resources. The willingness of nurses to use procedures, 91 (93.8%), increasing the quality and continuity of care between hospital and community, 85 (87.6%) and strengthening the social and scientific visibility of the profession, 87 (89, 7%), are key elements for change.

Nurses surveyed support the introduction of nursing procedures in Hospitals and Health Centers. The strengths and weaknesses identified in this study, along with the support of University of Almería (Spain) and the Autonomous University Gabriel René Moreno of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), will be key to enhance a profession whose activity is very important for the development of programs and public health in the country.