Descriptive, exploratory study, using a qualitative approach. The aim of this study was to learn the experiences of the nursing team in face of the death of a hospitalized indigenous child and the feelings that emerged from this experience. Participants were 11 professionals. Data were collected in the pediatric unit of a municipal public hospital in the interior of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. After analysis, the interviews were grouped into the following themes: feelings expressed by the caregiver; strategies for coping with death; support to the family in face of death; the experience of an indigenous versus a non-indigenous death; experiences with prejudice and negligence; the impact of death on the life and health of the professional; impact on the life of the professional; and psychological support to the professional. The nursing team suffers in face of the death of an indigenous child, which influences their lives and attitudes both in and outside the hospital environment.
Death; Health of indigenous peoples; Nursing team; Child