Attention to emotional health should be given at any circumstances of human beings development. It is especially necessary when an individual is ill and feels fragile, afraid, uncomfortable and anxious due to hospitalization. In this paper, we present an experience in which group work was used as a strategy of assistance to patients in the hospital, aiming at the implementation of an emotional assistance plan. The trajectory of the group, as well as the characteristics of the work done and its peculiarities are shown in this study. Results indicate that group work is a valuable tool for planning emotional care to these patients. However, it requires specific preparation and knowledge of group dynamics on the part of nursing professionals, so that the "healing" potential of group work can be better used.
Nursing; health care; group