The object of this study is the first nursing school in Piauí and the institutionalization of practical nurse education. The objective was to analyze and describe the process of institutionalization as a mark in practical nursing education in the state. It is a historical study that used a thematic oral history. The main source of data was seven interviews with people who had worked at the school. Documentary sources were used as well as secondary sources. The results portray the development of the School, highlighting its foundation and internal dynamics and pointing out its importance as the first school in the formation of nursing professional. The study also shows the importance the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincente de Paulo who were the first nurses in the construction and development of the School.
Nursing history; Nursing schools; Education, nursing