Nurses' role in the prescription and administration of contraceptive methods in primary care: perspectives and challenges in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the role of nurses in the prescription and administration of contraceptive methods, highlighting their perspectives and limitations with in the context of primary health care. The study aims to understand how this practice can contribute to strengthening sexual and reproductive health by promoting access to contraceptive methods with greater equity, quality, and resoluteness. Bibliographic review: The research revealed that, despite legal and regulatory advances that expand the scope of nurses' work, there are still barriers such as the lack of specific training, cultural stigmas, population misinformation, and institutional resistance. Furthermore, the positive impact of nurses in providing guidance on contraceptive methods and in attending to vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and trans individuals, was identified—especially when there is adequate training and humanized practices. Final considerations: It can be considered that the appreciation of continuing education and the role of nurses is essential to promote comprehensive and quality care. As alimitation, the lack of recent national studies specifically focus edon the practice of nurse prescribing is highlighted.