Reflections on the historical construction of the corporality of the woman nurse - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v9i2.8530

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the historical construction of the corporality of the woman nurse. It ponders how the woman came to be involved in the work of nursing over the course of history and the influence of corporality in the practice of nursing. Over the decades, in the existential context of the healthcare world, the diversity of circumstances has demanded differentiated attitudes and behaviors of the woman nurse with respect to her corporality. These distinct roles, aggregated in a single being, demonstrate her importance and representational aspect as a human being in relation to others, herself, society, and the practice of nursing, thus achieving greater autonomy and professional visibility. In her everyday world, corporality allows the nurse to reveal herself as a human being as she relates to other human beings, reaches her goals and achieves meaning for her life, as well as making the practice of nursing more dedicated and humanized. To become cognizant to the importance of corporality in the context of healthcare and the profession of nursing is to take a glimpse of new paths and means of acting as a fulfilled responsible professional in an occupation where women largely take the forefront.