Introduction: Within the mandate of all the professionals who make up the Family Health Strategy, health education is common to all. The Nurse, as part of the team, has a key role in health levels of individuals, families and communities, because the primary purpose of these actions is guided by the maintenance, promotion, restoration of health, prevention of diseases and disorders and psychological contribution to dealing with the consequences that an imbalance in health-disease process can generate on a family or community.
Methods:Descriptive qualitative study conducted in the city of Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil, with 17 nurses working in the Family Health Strategy. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and content analysis organization was performed.
Results:The perception of health education for diseases prevention is still limited. This may affect the procedures adopted to implement these actions. On the other hand, although having curative vision care, nurses consider actions for planning, which reveals a care focused on the main needs of the population. However, although they easily access the community, they point out problems, such as lack of management support.
Conclusion:Reorientation of educational practices in health is necessary. This depends on the qualification by graduation and management support to ensure implementation resources. Gearing towards health promotion, contributes to greater citizen participation and improves the quality of life on the community.