OBJECTIVE: To describe the representation of nursing care for nurses and for individuals undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in the Minas Gerais Nephrology Center in Belo Horizonte with 6 associate degree nurses and 6 individuals undergoing hemodialysis. Data were collected through focused interviews and analyzed through content analysis of group discussions. RESULTS: Nursing care among the nurses was the establishment of therapeutic relationships and trust, and technical professional care. For the individuals undergoing hemodialysis, receiving nursing care was the establishment of interpersonal relationships, adherence to hemodialysis treatments, and prolonging their life. CONCLUSION: The representation of nursing care goes beyond technical professional care to include therapeutic and interpersonal relationships.
Nursing care; Renal insufficiency, chronic; Renal dialysis