The study aimed to analyze the work process of the nursing professionals working in the Operating Theaters and the Sterilization and Materials Processing Center in relation to the sterilization of surgical material in a public hospital in Porto Alegre-RS. This is descriptive and exploratory research, with a qualitative approach, undertaken with 18 professionals, these being nurses, nursing technicians and auxiliary nurses. Thematic categorization was selected for analysis and interpretation of the data. The results show the description of the procedures involved in the sterilization process, the difficulties in the work process, and continuing education in health as a possible means for overcoming the difficulties. It is concluded that the workers' knowledge of the stages of the sterilization process is incipient, and that continuous education in health provides the possibility for reduction of shortcomings in the work process, as does the adoption of a reflective stance in relation to the importance of their work.
Nosocomial infection; Professional practice; Continuing education