The meaning of patient safety for nursing students

To understand the meanings attributed to patient safety by nursing students.

Descriptive study of qualitative approach, based on the theoretical-methodological proposal of Symbolic Interactionism, conducted with 12 students completing the nursing course of a public higher education institution in a city in the state of Amazonas. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview. For interpretation of the results, it was used thematic analysis.

The meanings attributed by the students to patient safety are: the reduction of harm, the guarantee of the integrity of the patient, family members, and health professionals, the promotion of health through the knowledge acquired in the academy, the attitude of the professional and the practice. Final considerations: The meanings originated are in line with the literature produced; however, the students have knowledge gaps that enable patient safety development in their academic training and as nurses.