The present work describes the trajectory of the Brazilian Association of Nursing (ABEn) in Santa Catarina since its inception on 13 March 1962, until the present days. It refers to the precarious situation of nursing in the 1960's and the insufficiency of professionals in that federal state, as the main reasons for the creation of the branch in that state. The activities developed by ABEn-SC are reported in this study in order to reveal the nature and political position of the association towards social impacts and public departments. The study explains the means used to give publicity and to up-date the profession and the events that this association has carried out or cooperated with. It also makes reference to the partners that have given support to the ABEn-SC and the way it has promoted its activities.
history of nursing; non-governmental organizations; social sciences; associations; nursing