Objective:

This study aims to analyse the historical and sociological aspects of work and health of nursing technicians in the hospital area.

Methods:

The qualitative research uses interviews (seven women and two men) with nursing technicians from a small hospital, from the perspective of oral history.

Results:

Nursing techniques use the body for care, expression of emotions and professional know-how. There are cases of work accidents, influences of night work on health and illnesses related to physical exertion and intense use of the body.

Conclusions:

The theoretical framework of care studies helped to understand how the body is used in care and confirms the need to guarantee the health of these workers throughout the history of their trajectories.