Objective

To determine and associate the perception of the hospitalized patient regarding the nursing attention, using social and demographical variables and hospital stay in the medical service of a public hospital.

Method

Quantitative, descriptive and transversal study with 50 patients of both sexes over 18 being treated by a medical service. Data were collected through a social profile questionnaire and a patient questionnaire on their perception of nursing attention.

Results

There was a prevalence of females, aged between 40 and 49 years old, single, with high-school education and admitted to the hospital for less than 5 days. Nursing attention was categorized as broadly favorable. The Technical and Interpersonal components were categorized as fairly favorable, while Comfort was unfavorable. It was observed that women perceive the nursing attention better than men.

Conclusion

The results pointed towards the need for a reflexive process for the nursing staff to improve attention and the patient's perception of this, as well as to offer better quality care.