title: [Nursing in Brazil in the context of the work force of the health: profile and legislation].
abstract: This article approaches nursing as a social practice, grounded in the work category to address the nursing work force in Brazil. It recovers the historical arrangement of its profile associated to the most general organization of the health sector in the country. Workers' profile is related to the aim of the health work process. Authors understand that the moving forces in the health context are restricted, but its organized actors can give directions determined by the technical, ethical and political ambits. Readers are invited to reflect on which nursing profiles are supported and targeted to the multiple Brazils. The characteristics of generalist nursing workers are highlighted, evidencing that new power and knowledge arrangements will be necessary for this training. This can build other profiles and outlines to health work and nursing, more committed with the principles of the Unified Health System.
authors.affiliation: Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil, Ribeirão Preto, SP.
authors.forename: Maria José Bistafa
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Cinira Magali
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Fortuna
authors.forename: Silvana Martins
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Mishima
authors.forename: Maria Cecília Puntel
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: de Almeida
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matumoto
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D007884:Legislation, Nursing; D009729:Nursing; D000078329:Workforce