Introduction:

AIDS is still a disease with a high death rate, with professionals working mainly in hospitalization services being able to care for HIV-positive patients, as well as being prepared for the losses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the perspectives of nurses regarding the death and dying process of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Materials and Methods:

This was a descriptive-exploratory, qualitative study conducted with 41 nurses who worked in infectiology services in the city of Recife, Brazil. A semi-structured interview was performed and the data were analyzed through the content analysis technique.

Results:

For the nurses, it was possible to perceive that death is represented by concepts linked to the idea of finitude, passage, and doubt. It was observed that the death/dying process of people with AIDS is permeated by the not accepting the disease, as well as the lack of adherence or misuse of antiretroviral therapy, and risk behaviors; thereby, increasing the likelihood of patients succumbing to the disease or triggering opportunistic infections.

Discussion:

This situation reflects in nurses feelings of sadness when confronted with the death of their patients.

Conclusions:

Nurses show hope that patients will stabilize and improve their general condition, and, consequently, continue treatment, but when this does not happen, they must be prepared to deal with this moment of pain and loss.

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