[The scientific production regarding leadership in the context of nursing]

The objective of this study is to identify the scientific production in the context of nursing produced in the last decade (1999-2008). This literature review was performed using the LILACS database and included studies published as articles, theses, dissertations, editorials and presentations in events. Studies were written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish with the electronic full-text version available. A form was developed to register the data regarding the production, which included: reference, source of the manuscript, year, category, objective, methodology and theoretical framework. A total of 57 publications were found; most were original, descriptive articles performed in the hospital environment, and very few studies were founded on the Leadership Theory. It is necessary to adopt leadership development programs and permanent education projects within health services, with the purpose of preparing nurses to work as leaders.