This qualitative study was performed with the objective to identify the challenges faced by nurses who assist families of patients with no hope of cure, in view of their pain and suffering. Data collection was performed in 2008 using semi-structured interviews, including eighteen nurses who worked in the Intensive Care Units of a private hospital located in São Paulo, after receiving approval from the Research Ethics Committee. The content analysis of the data revealed three categories: facing the challenges of assisting the family, expected attitude, and guiding yourself by experience. It was revealed that, in order to assist the families, nurses must reflect on their personal and ethical values, as well as examine their feelings regarding the process of dying. It is expected that experienced nurses will exchange their knowledge with those beginning their practice in this health care setting.
Nursing care; Critical illness; Family; Pain