[Child hospitalization: how the nursing staff conceives the accompanying mother]

The presence of the family is fundamental in the care of hospitalized child, because, as a source of protection and security, it provides an environment less aggressive. The objective of this study was to understand how nursing staff conceives the accompanying mother This is an exploratory qualitative research, developed in a reference hospital of infant care in the Northeast of Brazil, carried out between April and May, 2007, through semi-structured interview. Data were subjected to thematic analysis and the ethical aspects respected. We observed that although the mother is recognized as an important person in the process of giving support to the child, she does not receive proper care from health professionals. Seen as agents in the process work, mothers do not participate in decision making yet they carry the responsibility of nursing care. So it is important that members of the nursing staff reorient their work with the objective of building links and a comprehensive care.