OBJECTIVE: To describe the perception of nursing students before and after the completion of an elective course - People with physical and sensory deficits: approaches and trends in nursing. METHODS: This exploratory, descriptive, qualitative approach was conducted using a questionnaire administered to students taking this course in three different years: 2007- 2009. Participants included 96 students who described their perceptions using the research questionnaire. RESULTS: The participants ranged in age between 17 - 37 years, and were enrolled in the 1st, 2nd or 5th semesters of their nursing education program. Responses were grouped into five categories: communication and relationship with people with deficits, relevance of the discipline, proportionate growth, educating professionals, positive / negative issues and suggestions. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the course contributed to the education of students and future professionals about caring for people with physical and sensory deficits.
Education nursing; Disabled persons; Nursing