This study analyzed the social representation of the structure of the professional autonomy in nursing built up by nurses in the city of Petrópolis. The referential adopted was the Theory of Social Representations, in accordance to the structural approach. Data collection was carried out using the technique of free evocation from the term "professional autonomy" among 83 nurses, of which 42 worked at the basic services and 41 in hospitals. Data was analyzed through the construction of the four-digit chart. The results indicate as possible central elements the terms "knowledge", "achievement" and "responsibility", and as peripheral elements "limited", "little" and "utopia".
Nursing; Professional autonomy; Psychology, social
