The meaning of a “good nurse” in pediatric care: a concept analysis

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept a "good nurse" in the context of Pediatrics. METHOD: concept analysis study based on Rodgers' evolutionary method. Theoretical stage consisted of searching for articles in the CINAHL, Embase and Pubmed databases and a practical stage of semi-structured interviews with pediatric nurses. The final analysis unified the two stages by categories of antecedents, attributes and consequences of the concept. RESULTS: 20 articles and 10 interviews were analyzed revealing as antecedents aspects related to education, scientific development and ethical-moral skills and values. Responsibility, compassion, honesty and advocacy stand out as attributes of the "good nurse." The consequences describe implications for children and families, as well as for professionals. FINAL CONSIDERATION: the analysis of the concept of the "good nurse" allowed us to clarify fundamental aspects for the execution of good practices, establishing parameters for investment in professional development programs.