Pediatric ICU: the meaning of taking care in the mother's perspective

Abstract

Objective: To understand the significance of maternal involvement in the care of hospitalized children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Method: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected in October 2013, through semi-structured interviews with eight mothers. The reports were submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: Presented in four categories: "Recognition of maternal function"; "Care as a resource for coping"; "Learning to take care occurs observing and caring" and "Role of nursing staff". Conclusion: It is essential practitioners to be sensitive before the needs of mothers, resulting in hospitalization of children process, reinforce the positive aspects of their stay in healthcare settings, and at the same time, intervene on the negatives, thus providing a comprehensive, humane and qualified care to the binomial in the hospital environment.