We objectify with this study to evaluate the main reasons that motivate the candidates, of technician level, to a vacant in the nursing profession, according to the Watson Theory. The study was carried through in an enterprise of health, located in the city of Pelotas, in the South Zone of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, between the months september/2004 and february/2005, with the participation of 55 candidates to a vacant to act in the cited institution. The report had demonstrated that the "environment of care" has b influence in the choice of the nursing profession. While some of them mention the influence of some relative working in the area, others had expressed one b trend "to help the other" and/or they identified themselves with the profession when they escorted some relative in the process of hospital internment. In short, the expression of the care as specific knowledge and desire "to help the others" could be identified among the main reasons.
Nursing; Motivation; Delivery of health care