The objective of this study is to analyze nurses' perceptions about the meaning of the care process offered to cancer patients. Using a qualitative approach, ten nurses who work with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer from two institutions in the city of Juiz De For were interviewed, seeking the essence, particularities, and singularities of this process. The data was collected using a questionnaire with semi-structured questions, which permitted open manifestations from the interviewees in their responses, recorded on audio cassette. The comprehensive analysis of the interviews demonstrated the presence of a holistic and humanized care process, suffering, a sensation of impotence from the nurses in the face of the death, the presence of the faith as support for their actions, and an interest in scientifically and technologically updating the care process. However, it points out inconsistencies in the implementation of the Systematization of Nursing Care as a care strategy. This study evidences daily life in the care process laden with essentially feminine characteristics in the relationships established with the clientele.
Oncologic nursing; Nursing care; Nursing process