This exploratory, retrospective, documental study was aimed at profile characterization and identifying the needs of the active nurse's development in a government hospital; a Brazilian point of reference in cardiology. The analysis of 64 registries allowed us to conclude that the profile is eminently feminine (92%), a graduate from the 1980s (35%) and the 90s (38%); 57% were graduates of the cardiovascular improvement course (57%), with 20% having finished other stricto sensu courses. Still 32 (50%) participated frequently courses and events in the last three years, with 14 (22%) presenting papers and 10 (15%) recognized for scientific work. Concerning their employment contract, 42 (66%) nurses possess are exclusively employed full-time and have worked in the institution from 1 to 5 years (27%), or 11 to 15 years (27%). In the relationship to their work, 47 (74%) nurses enjoy working in the Institute very much. The needs for professional development were relative to the care process (36, or 61%), the health care management (15, or 25%) and the teaching process (8, or 14%).
Professional competence; Nursing; Hospital administration