RESUMEN
AIMS: We aimed to investigate the perspective of primary care nurses on their role with patients who have chronic cardiovascular disease and to identify cultural elements shared by nurses caring for people with chronic cardiovascular disease. In primary care, the role of the nurse is essential to promote self-efficacy in cardiovascular self-care. Individuals with chronic cardiovascular disease need to integrate the disease into their life, together with the health recommendations for management and follow-up. METHODS: A qualitative, focused ethnographic study was conducted. Purposeful sampling was used to include nurses who were working in primary care during the study. Data collection took place between 20 January and 20 May 2014 and consisted of semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was applied using the data. RESULTS: Eleven participants were included. Cardiovascular care forces nurses to reflect on their identity and role in primary care. The relationship between the nurse and people with chronic cardiovascular disease is a complex process, which may cause nurses to feel a sense of failure and monotony in their work. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may help to understand the role of the nurse and the care provided in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease.