PERCEIVING YOURSELF IN HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCES WITH THE THERAPEUTIC PLAY: THE NURSE REPRESENTING HIMSELF THROUGH THE DRAWING-STORY

Abstract

Introduction. Among the playful interventions recommended for the children’s care, the use of Therapeutic Play stands out in healthcare. Scientific evidence highlights benefits for children as an expression of their feelings, doubts, fears, desires and, consequently, greater tranquility, collaboration and learning in health procedures. There are also positive outcomes related to the reduction of pain, anxiety and negative attitudes. The use of this Brazilian technology is regulated by the Nursing Federal Council, integrating the role of the one who works in pediatric contexts. However, research indicates barriers to the systematic implementation of this practice by nurses in their daily care for children/adolescents. Goal. To understand how nurses represent themselves experiencing the use of Therapeutic Play in the care of children/adolescents supported by Drawing- Story. Methods. This is a qualitative study carried out considering Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory. Eleven nurses of both genders participated with experience in using/teaching Therapeutic Play. Data were collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, they were recorded and finalized by Drawing-Story simultaneously with the analysis following the steps: initial coding, categorization, theoretical coding, apprehension of the Central Category, until reaching theoretical saturation, allowing the construction of the Theoric Model. Results. The analysis of the graphic messages in the drawings and verbalizations make it possible to understand that when promoting Therapeutic Play in childcare, nurses perceive themselves dynamically represented by virtuous adjectives that motive them to action such as: helping, conserving, understanding, repairing and welcoming. When you act like this, you are connecting yourself with positive feelings: good humor, joy, hope, perseverance, empathy, love, and gratitude with resilience. Conclusion. The Drawing-Story technique enriched data collection, as it enabled nurses to release their inner inclinations through graphic expression, revealing the essence of the playful nurse-person, constituted by ludic affection and humanism.