The present study had the objectives of identifying the characteristics of gerontogeriatric nursing and of reflecting on this teaching, based on identified characteristics, in the light of Complexity. A qualitative research, its data sources were nine proceedings volumes of Brazilian Nursing congresses and seven Brazilian nursing publications of the 1991-2000 period. The main body of this article was comprised of 16 scientific articles; QRSNUD* IST4 was used for analysis. Results showed that this teaching does take place, and it is carried out through: mandatory disciplines in the curriculum; practical activities; activities during curricular training; extra-curricular activities; participation on specific or general Nursing events in which studies are presented; other activities. To use the principles of Complexity is tantamount to perceiving educative teaching as trying to convey a culture that will enable future workers to understand the human condition and to think in a contextualized, open, globalized, ethical way.
Education, nursing; Geriatric nursing; Geriatrics