Nurses assistance to children in palliative care: a study in the light of Jean Watson's theory

Abstract

Abstract Objective To understand the care provided by nurses to children with cancer in palliative care in the light of Jean Watson's Theory. Method Qualitative study, based on Jean Watson's theory, carried out with ten clinical nurses from a reference hospital for cancer in João Pessoa, PB. The collection of empirical material took place between October and December 2020, through the semi-structured interview technique, later analyzed under the Content Analysis Technique. Results The nurses’ testimonies brought strong reflections on knowledge in the field of oncology nursing, with an emphasis on assistance to children in palliative care, since the strategies implemented in this scenario are consistent with Jean Watson's Theory, based on the elements contained in the Clinical Caritas Process. Conclusion and Implications for practice The role of nurses based on humanized care, with the scope of promoting comfort and pain relief, and dialogical, playful and transpersonal practices, is essential in this disease process. In this way, the identified strategies may contribute to the clinical practice of nurses, when caring for children with cancer in palliative care, based on Jean Watson’s Theory.