OBJECTIVE: To identify nurses' perceptions regarding the routine use of therapeutic play in the care of hospitalized children. METHODS: A descript exploratory, quantitative study, conducted with 30 nurses in units that care for children in a private hospital in the city of São Paulo-SP. The nurses were interviewed and the data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistical techniques. RESULTS: The majority had contact with the theme "play/therapeutic play" (27.9%) and considered it valid for use in practice (29.9%); however, it was not used in the insitution where they currently worked (18.6%). Among those who had ever used therapeutic play, the majority (22.7%) identified benefits, while 11 nurses (37%) cited difficulties, such as lack of time (9.3%). CONCLUSION: Although the majority of those interviewed had knowledge about therapeutic play and valued its use in practice, it is not routinely used in their daily practice.
Play and playthings; Child, hospitalized; Pediatric nursing; Perception
