2019-02-042019-02-042019-02-042018-12-12https://ri.ucsal.br/handle/prefix/750The theory of self-care allows a greater adaptation to the process of coping with the problem and a better quality of life, contributing to the reduction of recurrent hospital admissions and the suffering resulting from it. This theory has applicability in nursing care to the health of the child and the adolescent. Objective: To analyze the scientific literature on the use of Nursing self - care theory in the care of children and adolescents. Methodology: This is a literature review of the integrative type, based on a 20-year temporal cut from 1998 to 2017, published in Portuguese, English and in the LILACS, SciELO, BDENF and MedLine databases. It was used as descriptors : self-care, nursing, child and adolescent. Results: Twelve articles were selected, with 83.3% of articles in the last 10 years. Self - care has been applied by nurses in the care of chronic diseases, infectious diseases, teenage pregnancy, alcohol use and health education. Considerations: The theory of self-care is used by nurses when conducting strategies of promotion and guidance on self-care practices that can guarantee the effectiveness of adherence to treatment providing conditions for a better quality of life.Acesso AbertoEnfermagemAutocuidadoCriançaAdolescenteNursingSelf careChildTeenagerTrabalho de Conclusão de CursoCiências da SaúdeEnfermagem