The experience of a woman working in nursing suffering from De Quervain's disease

Abstract

This is a case study with a phenomenological approach on the experience of a woman who works in nursing and suffers from the de Quervain's disease, an osteo-muscular disorder related to working conditions. This study aimed to understand what means to be a woman working in nursing and suffering from an osteo-muscular disorder related to working conditions through a worker of the Material and Sterilization Center of a private hospital. The philosophical referential from Martin Heidegger was used for the comprehensive analysis of the statement in question. The analysis revealed that the physiopathological process of the de Quervain's disease caused changes in the worker's life, characterized by painful manifestations and especially by physical limitations, which generate a multiplicity of feelings. Anguish is present in the process of accepting the disease, when the worker perceives the fragility of her existence and recognizes herself as the one responsible for her own care, reaching authenticity and transcending the disease.