Essential characteristics of a profession: A historical analysis focusing on the nursing process.

Objective: To analyze knowledge/expertise, autonomy and professional status in the ways of practicing nursing in implementation of the Nursing Process in a University Hospital in Southern Brazil.
Method: A qualitative socio-historical study using thematic oral history as a method and technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with care nurses and professors. The Content Analysis technique was used in the analysis.
Results: Fourteen (14) care nurses and professors participated. Knowledge/expertise were pointed out as the main contributions in implementing the Nursing Process. Professional status emerged as recognition of technical and scientific competence of nurses by health staff and users. Autonomy was expressed as being able to decide on their conduct and linked to knowledge, commitment and professional identity.
Conclusion: The Nursing Process is a way of exercising the profession based on knowledge and expertise with autonomy, and enables achieving status, reinforcing professional recognition.