Objective:
To describe the events that preceded the federalization of Paulista Nursing School (EPE).
Methods:
Documentary, historical study timeframe between 1956-77.
Results:
Research addressed the federalization of the Paulista Medical School (EPM) in 1956, with fear of lossing of autonomy of EPE, if this was federalized and attached to the medical school, and the national policy of subsidies to nursing courses, which requested that universities or medical schools keep nursing courses. It was identified and discussed the EPM's interest in expanding their autonomy, disconnected from the Federal University of São Carlos and to conquer university of health status, including the federalization of EPE as a strategy.
Conclusion:
Previous federalization of EPE showed that this was not a choice of its social body because it would not serve exclusively the interests of directors, students and teachers of that school, although it has been part of a project of emancipation of EPM and creation of future Federal University of São Paulo.
Nursing; History of Nursing; Education in Nursing