This exploratory-descriptive study was performed using a qualitative approach with the purpose to identify and analyze the attributes mobilized in work situations that characterize the performance of nurses in managerial competence in Family Health based on the concepts of dialogic competence. Data collection was performed through participant observation of the work performed by Family Health nurses in four units associated with the University of São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto - SP/Brazil, considering a typical workweek, with a total of 160 hours of observation. Through content analysis, using the thematic analysis technique, we identified five themes related to: supervision, teamwork, social control, work organization and planning. Results show there is a group of attributes mobilized by nurses which remains centered on work organization for individual health care with rare incursions for a systemized planning process.
Public health nursing; Professional competence; Family health; Primary health care; Knowledge