Perceptions of teachers on their corporeality in nursing education: a phenomenological study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The topic of corporeality is a significant attribute in nursing education, as it deals with human care education. Objective: To understand how a nursing teacher perceives his body in professional acting. Method: This research involves a qualitative study based on the philosophical work of Merleau-Ponty, it was undertaken in 2009 with ten teachers of nursing within a public university in the state of Paraná. Result: The nursing faculty demonstrate an awareness of the body in pedagogical practice in addition to the biological aspects. They assign meanings to the body as a facilitator of interpersonal relationships and as a teaching tool, which reflect on both theoretical and practical learning. At the same time, they are aware of the impact of the work process on their lives and bodies. Conclusion: Recognizing oneself as corporeality and understanding one?s professional relationship will enable a good standard of pedagogical work, providing better teacher-student, teacher-teacher and teacher-health staff interactions, as well as facilitating self-knowledge and interpersonal relationships in professional activities.