The purpose of this study was to analyse the problematic situation experienced by nurses at the moment of guiding the relatives of patients in an ICU. Therefore, seven (7) nurses who worked in this unit, which belonged to a general, public and Craning hospital in the city of São Paulo, were interviewed. The results have shown that the period of guiding brings anxiety and stress to the nurses, originated by the critical patient's condition, as well by' the deficiency of conduts and in the systematization of this activity in the unit. Based on the results it was proposed the creation of na assistance plan. That includes the guiding to the family and the elaboration of a written instrument of orientation.
Family; Industrial nursing; Anxiety
