Castro, Cidália Maria da Cruz Silva Patacas deBotelho, Maria Antónia Rebelo2019-12-162019-12-162017Journal of nursing UFPE on line (JNUOL). 2017, 11(9):3386-33941981-8963http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/30512Objective: to assess the experience of persons with critical condition during hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Method: study within the qualitative paradigm using a phenomenological descriptive approach. The phenomenological approach allowed accessing the reports about the experience of twelve participants who agreed to be interviewed. Results: the essential structure that reflects the nature of the experience of persons with critical condition during hospitalization in an intensive care unit consists of three components: feeling trapped – the loss of control over the body; between life and death; and the need for security. Conclusion: it is an experience of suffering, felt in a unique and singular manner. Waking up in the intensive care unit was scary and hopeless. The existence is compromised; life and death are a constant. These persons need to feel secure, valuing the immediate care provided by the nurses. The family represents a safe haven.engIntensive care unitNursingExperienceQualitative researchPhenomenologyjournal article