[Representations of nursing history in the current daily practice]

This study presents a historical analyses on the links between the nursing practice and the influence which it receives from various religious orders/asssociations throughout the times. The professional nursing which was pioneered by Florence Nightingale in the XIXth century, was influenced directly by the teachings of love and fraternity. In addition, other contributions from the religious orders/associations were the concepts of altruism, the positive value of an adequate environment for the care of patients, and the division of work in nursing.