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The objective of this study was to identify the performance of Chilean primary health care nurses. This was a qualitative study based on the approach of social phenomenology. Data collection was conducted between January and April 2013 through interviews with 13 nurses. Nurse performance showed that they experience greater professional autonomy and are closer to users; however, they suffered from professional burnout. Their expectations included the desire to be recognized for their work and better service management. Contributions of this study include the possibility of considering new designs for professional management practices in primary health care from the perspective of Chilean nurses. These designs should be based on the reorganization of work processes and by occupying spaces in macropolitics, influencing the professional performance of nurses at this level of health care.

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the meaning of nursing care in primary health care from the perspective of Chilean nurses. Method: this was a qualitative study based on the social phenomenology of Alfred Schutz. Data was collected between January and April 2013, through interviews with 13 primary health care nurses in Chile. Results: the nurses perceived primary care as a gratifying experience, considering it an encounter of subjectivities. However, they felt burdened with multiple functions and by the hierarchical pressure to achieve targets. They strived to implement innovative care, expressed by the desire to go beyond traditional care practices, and improve the efficiency of management at the various levels of health care. Conclusion: it is important to discuss the results of the present study in the context of health care and especially nursing education, with the goal of better preparing nurses who will deliver care at the primary health care level.