Representations of vulnerability and empowerment of nurses in the context of HIV/AIDS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the social representations of vulnerability and empowerment of nurses, in the context of their relationships with the work environment, in which they care for people with HIV/AIDS. A qualitative and descriptive study was carried out with 30 nurses in a public hospital that is a reference for HIV/AIDS care. The theoretical framework of the procedural approach from the Social Representations Theory was adopted. The interviews were transcribed and submitted to thematic content analysis using the software Nvivo 9.0. Vulnerability was expressed as embarrassment, dissatisfaction, distress, frustration, insecurity, overload and stress. In turn, empowerment was expressed in the form of positive interpersonal relationships, moral and operational support from the team, adaptations and improvisations, acquisition of scientific knowledge, and professional self-protection.