Objective:

to know the perception of nursing leadership developed during professional practice in a group of nurses linked to public and private tertiary care health institutions in a Colombian municipality.

Methods:

qualitative research of the case study type; Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses from the care area with full-time exclusive dedication. For data analysis, the content analysis technique was used, using the IRaMuTeQ Software.

Results:

A total of 13 nurses participated, the data analyzed were classified into two thematic categories, namely: a) Meanings and characteristics of leadership in nursing and; b) Roles and areas of leadership.

Conclusions:

The concept of leadership is related to teamwork dynamics from hierarchical relationships; it is necessary to reflect on the disciplinary object, in this case the act of nursing care for the development of the required leadership and in congruence with the current epistemic visions.