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

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.

O cuidado pediátrico à luz da teoria de Jean Watson: revisão integrativa

“…Transpersonal care can be achieved when the caregiver establishes a physical, mental and spiritual connection with the being cared for, as demonstrated in a study involving a nurse and a child with cancer (23) . Another study, also involving nurses and children with cancer, points out that dialogue and loving attitudes are essential for transpersonal care (17) .…”

“…The practice of loving-kindness is the first element of the Caritas process and involves love, kindness and compassion for oneself and others (4,5) . Such components are perceived by nursing professionals who care for children in palliative care (17) . Care in this perspective is revealed through loving attitudes, delicacy and affection (16,19,20) .…”

“…It is possible to verify that caring in line with the elements proposed by the theory in question enables the children to be cared for in their entirety (17) . It is believed that reflecting on the practice of care mediated by Jean Watson's theory contributes to health professionals, especially nurses, replacing their intuitive actions with intentional attitudes that incorporate the true human essence in the attitude of care (30) .…”