[Nursing actions in nephrology: a theoretical referral expanded beyond the biologicist health conception]

This article focuses ways of nursing performance in nephrology in the health promotion programs. Therefore, we present a theoretical referral formed by concepts of health promotion, health education and technologies. The conception of health promotion is anchored in the First International Conference documents about the subject, which took place in Ottawa, Canada in 1986. Health education is based on the empowerment paradigm, seen as a social action process that promotes people's participation in controlling their lives and health. The concept of technologies is presented in accordance with Merhy's conception, classifying them as hard technologies, light-hard and light ones. This referral will surely represent a new challenge for nurses in nephrology.