Abstract
Background
The collective memory represents a symbolic asset, nursing is gradually established in the health area, in the fight for their rights, in professional and technical qualification in all fields of work and scientific development. The modification in howits profession is carried out directs the transformations in its field image, especially with the evolution of practice and study in itsknowledge field.
Objective
To show the perceptions of nurses on the construction of the image of a nurse from Ceará, Brazilbefore the modifications in the historic setting of nursing.
Method
It is a research based on the method of Oral History. Three teaching nurses from the effective body of a Public Higher Education Institution of the state of Ceará participated in the study, with more than 30 years of teaching, which they integrate the oldest nursing degree course in the state.
Results
conflicting perceptions about the construction of the professional image in Ceará were identified. The nurse is seen positively, standing out as a caregiver and autonomous. For another aspect, it is identified with the image of an alienated nurse.
Conclusion
It was possible to know the perceptions about the construction of the image of the nurse in Ceará, from the historical experiences of the teachers interviewed who influenced this process.
Keywords:
professional image; history of nursing; nurse