This article approaches nursing as a social practice, grounded in the work category to address the nursing work force in Brazil. It recovers the historical arrangement of its profile associated to the most general organization of the health sector in the country. Workers' profile is related to the aim of the health work process. Authors understand that the moving forces in the health context are restricted, but its organized actors can give directions determined by the technical, ethical and political ambits. Readers are invited to reflect on which nursing profiles are supported and targeted to the multiple Brazils. The characteristics of generalist nursing workers are highlighted, evidencing that new power and knowledge arrangements will be necessary for this training. This can build other profiles and outlines to health work and nursing, more committed with the principles of the Unified Health System.
Nursing; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice; Labor force