[Discourse and practice of care to newborns at risk: reflecting about humanized care].

This study identifies nurses' opinions on humanized care for newborn at risk and their families, using Paterson and Zderad's theory (1976) as a theoretical-methodological reference framework. It was carried out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a maternity in Fortaleza-CE, between April and July 2003. Data were collected through interviews with 6 nurses. They approached the following themes: humanization, sensitiveness, conscience and care. There is a need to unite discourse with practice in humanized care for newborns at risk.