Nursing care in a hematopoietic stem cells transplantation unit

Abstract

In hematopoietic stem cell transplantation units, nursing care is different from other services. The objective in this descriptive study with a qualitative approach was to identify the care activities of nurses at a transplantation unit, classified according to the framework of nurses' functions. The data were collected through systematic observation and treated through content analysis. Three functions were identified for nurses: clinical nurse, management nurse and visit nurse, the first having a wider range of care activities. The maintenance of life care is focused on patient and environmental hygiene; the general techniques involve basic techniques like instrument/drug handling and patient assessment; and the specialized care includes specific activities, such as bone marrow collection and infusion, central catheter care and care for blood transfusion and chemotherapy. It was concluded that the care is integral, specialized and based on knowledge gained through additional training and expertise.