Objective: To describe the profile of nursing graduates from a public institution and to relate the nursing education process with their professional actions. Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. 61 graduates who graduated from 2010 to 2016 participated. A semi-structured questionnaire was used via Google docs. The analysis of objective questions was performed through simple frequency and proportions. Qualitative data were analyzed using the content analysis method and the textual corpus was organized using the IRAMUTEQ 0.7 Alfa2 software. Results: The profile of the graduates showed a predominance of females. Most work in assistance, with an income of up to 5 minimum wages and were satisfied with the course, however, half of the graduates would take another higher education course. Deficiency in training was identified, especially with regard to practical experience and nursing management. Conclusion: The challenges and weaknesses in training listed by the graduates point to the need for changes with regard to the structure of nursing courses, as well as the organization of the Supervised Curricular Internship and practical experience during graduation.