[Communicable diseases and isolation: a nursing student's perceptions]

The Communicable Diseases have been associated to stigma and segregation for a long time. This investigation was carried out in order to detect the undergraduation students' perception concerning communicable diseases and isolation, as well as their expectation in working at isolation units. A questionnaire was elaborated and then validated by 3 referees. We attested that some of these students have stereotyped and negative conotations concerning the bearer of such diseases and isolation. Just a few of them mentioned that they would choose this specific unit as the workplace. It is important for us, professors, to know their previous knowledgement about the concepts of communicable diseases and isolation, so that we can reinforce the positive features and work with the negative ones during the courses. It can contribute to prepare these students to give an effective nursing care without fears and stigmas.