[Telling a history ... the creation process of the Brazilian Nurses Association-Rio Grande do Sul Chapter]

This work is a description of the most relevant facts of the branch of the Brazilian Association of Nursing (ABEn) in Rio Grande do Sul federal state, along its fifty years of work. The data was collected in primary sources such as records of the association, newspaper articles, congress minutes, reports from ABEn's members, and pictures. The study contextualizes nursing in the period, which precedes the creation of this branch. It presents biographical aspects of the first directors of the association. Reports the trajectory of this branch, focusing on its struggle to legitimate the nursing profession as a profession that demands higher education and to include it in the career plans of public and private organizations. Describes the efforts of the association to meet the demands of the professional and educational legislation. Presents the work done to strengthen ABEn-Rio Grande do Sul through the organization of campaigns, scientific events and the event Semana da Enfermagem (congress of nursing). It also acknowledges the decisive role of ABEn-RS in the creation and consolidation of the Syndicate of Nursing and of the Federal/Regional Board of Nursing. Finally the study demonstrates that, although it defends specific professional interests, it also has a profound commitment with the quality of the health service provided in Brazil.