CONCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES OF NURSES WORKING WITH FAMILIES

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to build theory about the conceptions of family developed by nurses linked to the Family Health Strategy. This is a qualitative study with a theoretical framework in symbolic interactionism and methodological framework in Grounded Theory. Twenty-one nurses were interviewed who were affiliated with the Family Health Strategy. The theoretical script constructed has three central categories, described as Conceptions of Family, Family Environment and Family Approach. Nurses build their conceptions based on three specific experiences within the social, economic and cultural environment they operate in. Their concepts of family address origin, space, structure and relationships. The family approach derives from these concepts and depends on specific skills and resources. The study provides a theoretical base for making decisions for family care as well as for teaching the family approach to nurses