Ampliando a consciência do eu: o cuidador olhando-se no espelho

Abstract

This study aimed at understanding the perception of nurses on expanding their self-awareness when caring the others. This qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study was carried out at a university hospital in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Content analysis revealed as self-awareness expansion components how the caretaker perceives him/herself as a sensitive Self, as an esthetic Self, as a possibility Self, and as a beliefs and values Self. Based in these results, it is suggested that formal care spaces for the caretaker need to be created, taking into account how he/she perceives him/herself, the other, and the world of care in a hospital.