OBJECTIVE: To characterize the components of a capacitating program for nurses working in major teaching medical centers. METHODS: A case study approach was used to conduct this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 directors of nursing. Data were analyzed through content analysis. RESULTS: The findings consisted of the following themes: Institutional politics, human resources policies, and specific intervening elements of the professional capacitating program for nurses. CONCLUSIONS: There were no formal institutional policies for professional capacitation of nurses. The nurses' salary level was an element that made the implementation of a professional capacitating program for nurses difficult. Two medical centers did not have a department of continuing education. In addition, there was a need for capacitating nurses to: behave ethically; develop scientific, technical, and management knowledge; and, be assiduous, punctual, and committed to the institution.
Health human resource training; Nursing staff; Professional training; Education, nursing, continuing