Challenges and confrontations in care by nurses: a study of social representations

ABSTRACT

Aim: to analyze the challenges faced by nurses in caring for individuals with HIV/AIDS, and their means of confrontation seen in the social representation of nurses regarding their own vulnerability and empowerment. Method: thirty nurses from a public hospital were approached through a semi-structured interview. Later, there was an instrumentalized content analysis using NVivo 9.0 software based on a theoretical-methodological approach according to the Social Representations Theory. Results: the challenges are seen in the affective, imagery and cognitive dimensions of representation, while the means of confrontation are especially connected to the practical dimension. Discussion: vulnerability is confronted by the intersection between political-institutional and humane-affective factors, while empowerment is placed as a fluid process of reframing the performed role. Conclusion: there is an urgency to develop programmed tasks aimed at the health of nursing professionals who work with patients with HIV/AIDS...