[Gerontological nursing, the production of knowledge in the profession (1970-1996)]

This study aims to describe the construction of knowledge as a component of professional power in gerontological nursing in Brazil between 1970 and 1996. It is a descriptive study with qualitative socio-historical approach that used oral history and was developed with 14 nurses, who are pioneers in the area. The categories found are: 1. The origin of gerontological nursing studies; 2. The inclusion of gerontology in the professional education; 3. The relevance of knowledge to the specialty. Historical understanding allowed to learn the efforts engaged for the development of scientific production in the area, by detailing the creation of research groups and the difficulties found in the professional education. The connection between knowledge and professional power is a unanimous discourse among the pioneer nurses, confirmed in the efforts made by them for the development of expertise in the area.