The objective of this study was to historicize the creation of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina and the power of nurse teachers in the organization of the nursing department of this hospital, based on their knowledge. It is a qualitative study and a socio-historical approach that utilizes oral thematic history and documentary analysis. Interviews were conducted with five nurse teachers and a doctor. Data were categorized utilizing thematic context analysis based on the Foucaultian framework. Results demonstrate that the process of construction of the hospital and the organization of the nursing were permeated with struggles and resistance. Nurse teachers exercised the power, ensuring many achievements due to their knowledge. It was concluded that, from the knowledge developed by nurse teachers, the proper professional attitude, and a willingness to provide quality care, the nursing department conquered its space and organized a nursing care systematized in the hospital, which served as a model for several health care institutions.
Nursing; History of nursing; University hospitals; Hospital nursing service