The purpose of this study, using the phenomenological framework, was to understand the phenomenon: caring about the care provided to the mentally ill patients in nurses' perspective. Therefore, authors interviewed nurses who work with mentally ill patients in two hospitals located at a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil and also observed these places. In addition to the study with the aim of finding out nurse's view regarding the chronically ill patient, authors found out about nurse's perception about the care/work provided to these patients. Authors also reflected on caring, considering Heidegger's thought, what enabled them to better understand the phenomenon.
mental health; nursing care; psychiatric nursing