The research analyzed the perception of patients, Nursing undergraduates and professors, as the care faced to the facial image alteration, its implications in the formation process. It was characterized by exploratory qualitative approach, carried out in the university hospital in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between July 2008 and April 2009. Six patients with facial image alteration, seven Nursing students and five professors participated. Semi-structured interviews and focal group were used. The data organized underwent the content analysis technique. Two categories were evidenced: meaning of the altered facial image and the nurse care and formation. The care to these patients is noticed as a complex, hard and impacting experience being constituted of odd opportunities for the development of the necessary competences for the nurse formation. It was noted the need for integration of themes during the training that address issues relevant to the needs of undergraduates and enables them to reflect on their experience in the course.
Nursing care; Body image; Education, nursing