PERCEPTIONS OF PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY NURSES RELATED TO THE PROFILE, TRAINING, EMOTIONS, AND REACTIONS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN WITH PAIN

Abstract

Cancer is one of the main causes of mortality in childhood and adolescence. Both the biopsychosocial and spiritual impact it produces can lead the patient child to experience pain and suffering. OBJETIVE: To understand common aspects perceived by the oncology nurse and how they are related to the assessment of a child in pain. METHOD: We conducted a qualitative study with a grounded theory approach based on Strauss and Corbin’s methodological framework. Through theoretical sampling, 13 nursing professionals who worked in different hospitals in Santiago, Chile were selected. Data collection took place through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The study followed Guba and Lincoln’s criteria for credibility, confirmability, and fidelity. The data collected was transcribed after each interview and analyzed in three stages: open, axial and selective coding. RESULTS: For nurses who work in ​​pediatric oncology, the care provided throughout the illness process for the child is central, considering aspects such as the profile of the professionals, the emotions, training, reactions to a child in pain, and the relationship that exist amongst them. CONCLUSIONS: There are common aspects amongst nurses who work in pediatric oncology. Because of the relationships between them, these aspects can help professionals to recognize pain in children with cancer following diverse perspectives.