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In this study we propose a reflection on nursing as an object of history. Our proposal is based on studies which have dealt with the history of nursing in Brazil and with the new perspectives of history studies. Our reflection is guided by an analysis of the history of nursing in Brazil and the social circumstances which determined the development of this profession in this context. This research adopted methodological proposals which are usually used in historical studies. The data collection was done through oral history and the analysis of documentary sources. The review of the social phenomenon, through the data collected, showed the importance of studies of historic nature and how much these can help on the understanding of the nursing professional identity as well as on the strengthening of this category. We hope that this project motivates the production of other works on this subject and calls the attention for the importance of preserving our historical memory.

The present study analyses the themes proposed by research projects in nursing. It focuses on the projects that were sent to a Brazilian governmental research fomentation agency--CNPq--in the period of time between November 1998 and November 2000. The objective of this work is to identify the recurrent themes proposed in nursing research projects, and discuss its adherence to lines of research under study by nursing professionals which have the support of CAPES. It also relates these themes to the priorities of research established by CNPq. In order to achieve the objectives mentioned, an exploratory and descriptive study was carried out. The primary sources were evaluation grids of research projects. The secondary sources were studies, written and statistics reports from CNPq. Results show that most of the scholarships awarded by CNPq are in the southeast region of Brazil, where a larger number of researchers and post-graduation programs are concentrated. It also reveals that there is a diversity of themes being explored and that there is a relation between the themes and the parameters adopted for the studies.