The objective of this study was to report the nursing experience at a pediatric chemotherapy outpatient clinic that was decorated to be appealing to children (Carioca Aquarium). It is a descriptive experience report from a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, conducted between December, 2007, and May, 2008. The environment was decorated based on the (Disney-Pixar®) movie, "Finding Nemo" after an agreement between the institution and community representatives. Carioca Aquarium brought the act of playing to the treatment site. We observed that professionals were more motivated, care was facilitated, and relationships involved more dialogue when using recreational resources. In turn, children's agitation during procedures was minimized, nausea and vomiting was reduced, and the children's desire to remain in the room increased. The change of environment offered stimulating and fun activities to the children, bringing them distraction, calmness, security, and greater acceptance of their treatment. With this, the children were able to divert their focus from their disease.
Health facility environment; Oncologic nursing; Pediatric nursing; Humanization of Assistance; Drug therapy