THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRATING THEORY AND PRACTICE IN NURSING EDUCATION: A REPORT OF AN INTERNSHIP IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

This experience report presents the experiences of a group of six fourth-semester nursing students from the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) during their supervised internship in Primary Health Care (PHC). The experience highlights the importance of integrating theory and practice in professional training, addressing the learning and challenges faced by the students. The activities involved accompanying nursing consultations, preventive examinations, vaccinations, child care, and home visits with Community Health Agents (CHAs). This experience allowed students a broader understanding of the nurse's role in care management, health promotion, and teamwork, in addition to strengthening technical, ethical, and communication skills. Among the challenges, the limited internship time, the lack of institutional support, and the conditions of social vulnerability in the territory stood out. Thus, it is clear that supervised practice plays a fundamental role in building the generalist and humanist profile proposed by the National Curriculum Guidelines (DCNs), contributing to a critical, reflective, and socially committed education.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.038-044