Qualitative study, descriptive and exploratory which aimed to ascertain the role of an institution of higher education and hospital training and continuing education of nurse-leaders. Was developed during the months of February and March 2008, with the participation of eleven nurses from a large hospital in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. For data collection was carried out semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Using the Content Analysis for the treatment of data, two categories emerged: the role of higher education institution in the training of nurses, leaders and role of the hospital in continuing education of nurses-leaders. There is the existence of gaps related to the teaching of leadership and development of competence in the hospital context.
Nursing; Leadership; Education; Health services