Constructing the meaning, to an oncological nursing team, of spirituality in the process of dying

Abstract

Objective: to construct the meaning of spirituality to a nursing team faced with the process of cancer patients’ dying. Method: this exploratory, qualitative, descriptive study took place in a referral oncology hospital for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in Juiz de Fora with the participation of 12 nursing staff members. The method comprised a first stage of structured interviews, and a third of semi-structured interviews; between these, the second involved reflective reading of a text on the research theme. The data were subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: death means that the physical body rests, which is a conflictive process that is difficult to deal with; spirituality gives meaning to life; and comprehensive care includes care strategies associated with spirituality. Final Remarks: the meaning of spirituality shows it to be unique, felt, experiential, and contributing to human well-being; it reflects comfort, better acceptance of death, and humanistic therapeutic strategy.