[Compassionate attitudes in nursing--suffering that permeates care]

Has as objective the reflection over the suffering as a vicissitude of compassion evidenced at care at nursing which influences the way care is taken. It had descriptive, exploratory and qualitative approach. The subjects of study were five nurses of a Universitary hospital of Santa Catarina. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and through non participative observation. The category of analysis for characterization of compassive postures was the suffering. As result we had that taking care is related to affection exchange, which establishes compassive ways of help. The nurses use their personal characteristics at the game of relationships because of the fact that one's academic background gets stronger while in action. The lack and the concepts over their activity they present as justifications of comprehending the other--the clients--are flagged by intuition and common sense.