[What do people know about and expect from nurses?]

The purpose of the present study was to learn about people's opinions on nurses' performance and on what do they expect from it. Authors interviewed patients and their families in Health Institutions and people walking in malls at the cities of Ribeirão Preto (125) and Bauru (125). The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Results showed that the nurse is recognized as the one who is responsible for the care but there is still a representation of nurses as the doctor's helper. They refer to the nurse as someone courageous, important and on whom they depend on. They look for human care, dedication, respect, responsibility, understanding, affection and efficiency. They enable nurses' work and recognize the lack of better work conditions and fair wages.