Objective:

This study aims to reveal the qualitative evidence of the patient with chronic kidney disease through the perception of the nephrology nursing team from an existential perspective.

Material and Method:

Qualitative exploratory-descriptive study, with analysis based on the Paterson and Zderard’s humanist theory and the existentialist philosophy. The field work was carried out in a nephrology service in southern Brazil and a hemodialysis center in Lorca, Spain. The sample was 12 professionals from the nursing team. The study of the data was done through content analysis, with the identification of central categories.

Results/Discussion:

Three central categories were identified: being patient; accept the disease and establish links. Being a patient reveals itself as a caring being that requires specialized nursing care, for the treatment of physical symptoms, but also from an attentive and welcoming view of their emotional needs. Acceptance of the disease by the patient is key to being aware of his/her existence. For this, the nursing professional must establish links with being cared for.

Final considerations: When unveiling this new reality as well as the need to perform renal replacement therapy, the person cared for presents feelings of fear, sadness, hopelessness, suffering due to the loss of autonomy. However, positive feelings such as confidence are also perceived when establishing a bond with the nursing team, and of hope and joy at the possibility of a transplant and recovery of autonomy.