Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2009;9(2):87-95.

ISSUE Cover

Coping and the strength of parents going through the situation of a hospitalized child

DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793200900011

Abstract

Objective:

To understand the strength parents find to cope with the disease and hospitalization of their child, affected by a chronic illness.

Method:

Qualitative and descriptive study, carried out at the Pediatric Clinic and Pediatric Infectious and Parasitic Disease nursing wards of a University Hospital in São Paulo City. Subjects were one father and four mothers/ companions who answered the question: “Tell me how you cope with the situation of having your child sick and hospitalized”.

Results:

The following thematic categories were identified: Disease as an experience of pain, suffering and sadness, Experiencing solitude, Coping with the disease with love, hope and strength, Finding support in the family, Feeling anchored by faith in God and Becoming another person. The parents identified faith as the primary and most important force.

Final considerations:

We propose to create a space for reflection on this theme, so that spiritual care is integrated into the nursing plan, contributing to a less painful and tough experience.