Objective: To evaluate the systematization of nursing care in intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: This is an integrative review of the literature carried out through the VHL, SCIELO and LILACS databases with articles published between 2009 and 2014.Results: Five articles were selected, where it was possible to observe that the lack of applicability of the systematization of nursing assistance in the ICU is more reality found, however, when held, this process provided a registry organized and directed the data and execution and evaluation of the nursing care.Conclusions: The instruments need to be fairly discussed and proposed nursing professionals to become empowered.