This study aims to evaluate the practice of nursing auxiliaries in the Family Health Program, identifying their daily activities, as well as factors that facilitate or hinder their work. A qualitative approach was chosen, using the focal group technique, with the participation of 34 nursing auxiliaries from the Federal District, Brazil. It was found that the nursing auxiliaries carry out a variety of activities, both of individual and collective nature, heavily influenced by the clinical model and with different degrees of complexity, such as: family registration, brief clinical evaluation, group activities, technical procedures, home visits, sanitary and epidemiological vigilance in day care centers. The participants related that they found it easy to bond with the clientele, but complained of the shortage of continuing education courses and imprecision as to their true assignments and lack of local coordination. The authors conclude that the program must reassess the role of this professional, reemphasizing his educational function in the community.
family health; health care delivery