Nursing assistance: an analysis of the guide lines of this practice

Abstract

In this study we aim at identifying the theoretic guide lines of nursing assistance, carried out by nurses. The data was collected in the months of may and June 1997, through semi-structured interviews. The material collected was submitted to techniques of analysis and the following categories showed up significance; total attention; aims; heath - illness process. The results brought to evidence the ideas that these nurses have about nursing assistance, emphasizing the activities which deal with promoting and recuperating health, as well as illness prevention. It was made clear that the total attention given to the patient, and the understanding of the socially determined health - illness process, were present as a background in the reports.