The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to identify and analyze the attributes mobilized by nurses when developing their day-to-day Family Health work regarding planning, coordination, and supervision, seeking an approximation with performances in constructing managerial competence. The setting consisted of four Family Health Units in the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. The subjects were four nurses who had worked for at least one year with the Family Health Program. Data was collected from June to July of 2006 through participant 160 hours of observation. Data analysis was performed through content analysis, using the thematic analysis technique. It was observed that supervision is characterized by aspects of control and education and that planning boosts practices aimed at articulating work processes while exercising coordination. We conclude that nurses mobilize knowing how to learn and knowing how to live together.
Nursing; Professional competence; Family health; Organization and administration