Nursing work is developed mainly by women and includes many risk factors for several diseases. Nevertheless, in Brazil, the studies about health conditions of the occupational group are almost inexistent. This cross-sectional study was carried out in order to investigate the health and work conditions of R.N. and auxiliary nurses of a public hospital. The data collection included interviews and measures of weight, height and blood pressure, in 495 employed nurses and auxiliary nurses. Specially among the auxiliary nurses, the results revealed very high prevalences of acute (45%) and chronic conditions, such as backache (71 %), varices (57,5%), arterial hypertension (24,9%), mental disorders (36,7%), obesity (16%), digestive (34,5%) and respiratory problems (31%). Both groups have too long a professional workday. However, the auxiliary nurses are overloaded by homework, that contribute to worsen their health conditions.