Based upon bibliographic references, the author discusses and analyses motivational process in teaching and assistance nursing. She intends, on account of this work, to bring subsidies which enrich the subject, trying to point out its importance in nursing performance with the client, the family and the community, as well as to the nursing student. To attain these goals, many authors were consulted, specially those on nursing research and motivational theories besides the subsidies of the author's own experience.