This study aimed at understanding the perception and the meaning of caring for patients with self-image problems resulting from physical alterations to nurses working at a university hospital. Phenomenology was the methodology used, and the subjects of study were eight nurses. In order to analyze the statements given, transcription and readings were performed, seeking for the essence of the units, the expression of meanings by thematizing and interpreting the discourse and looking for convergence, divergence, idiosyncrasies and synthesis of the phenomenon. The unveiled themes were: (non) Acceptance of the disease; Team work; Limitations resulting from the disease; The nurse's and team's feelings and behavior; Ties between the team, patient and family; The family; Patient's self-image; Patients' age; Prejudice; Acknowledgement or knowledge of the disease; Care level and more intense care; Religion and Capacitation. Due to the amplitude of the phenomenon, other angles can be unveiled and other perspectives can be inhabited.
self-concept; nursing care; qualitative research