Sexuality on nursing assistance: reflections on a cultural perspective

Abstract

This study aimed to understand sexuality and how the construction of its meanings, symbols, feelings, and values is developed. The data were collected through focal group techniques and individual interviews with nurses. The emerging feelings were: embarrassment; fear; surprise; challenge; sorrow; worry, and personal satisfaction. The experience with the sexuality on nursing assistance revealed: the presence of a pathological and biological perspective in the action of nursing, showing this dimension as something that needs to be medically treated; on the other hand, it showed that this theme can be a way to self-knowledge, rethinking concepts, values and conflicts, as well as producing nursing care in a more ethical, committed and empathetic way, thus valuing the dignity of the ones cared for and the ones who take care.