A qualitative research was developed with objective to identify the care practices of nurses who work in the Basic Units of Health of rural cities of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and to identify the preparation received to care for this population. Documentary analysis, participant observation, and interviews were used for the data collection, analyzing them within their content. This data refers to the description of the ways of caring by nine nurses who worked with the population of these communities. In founding this study three central concepts were used: Rural Community, Nursing Care and Nurse Preparation. We evidenced that the nurses are a reference for the population, playing different roles in both the nursing team and their relationships with other sectors of the community. The work also reflects the influence of culture of the rural environment and the strategies used by the nurses for their preparation aiming an adequate care.
Culture; Community health nursing; Rural population