The role of nursing in mental health in the primary care

Objective: To analyze scientific evidence found in literature about the role of nursing in Mental Health in the Primary Care. Methods: This article is an integrative literature review. To survey articles in the literature, the databases LILACS, SCIELO and BDENF were used. Were found 53 studies, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. Results: From the analysis of scientific productions, it was possible to verify that most nurses feel unprepared to work in the area of mental health in primary care, or even those who said they feel prepared, few were able to detail this knowledge. Studies demonstrate there are no specific activities aimed at promoting mental health, so that nursing care is restricted to the actions of the own routine from the basic healthcare units. Conclusion: It is essential that nurses include mental health actions in their practice for the integrality of care to people with mental disorders and family support. It is needed to have since graduation concern with the aspect of their education, in addition to the training of those already inserted in primary care, aiming at the implementation of more effective actions involving Mental Health in Primary Care.