The purpose of the present investigation is to recognize the basis of qualification and the nuances that permeate the performance of the nursing technicians, at the present time, in the district of Uberlândia. Qualitative research, having as reference the analysis of discourse, was the methodology chosen, and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The analysis was based on four categories: education-work, curriculum, professional identity and expectations. Starting from a detailed study of these categories, it was possible to evaluate education-work relationship in nursing technical courses, aspects related to the regulation and exercise of nursing work in Brazil; the importance of the curriculum in the organization of knowledge experiences; the meaning and influences of this work on the construction of professional identity. Finally, this research has also as its objective draw a profile of the nurse technician based on the analysis of their performance at work and the way this professional relates to his/her work.
nurse technician; professional formation; nursing