Objective: To understand the perception of nurse managers about the functionally-readapted worker. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach, whose data were collected in from November 2016 to April 2017, through interviews with 14 nurse managers of a university hospital. The content analysis analysis was applied to interpret the speeches. Results: The reports converged into three categories, which revealed the impact on the management of the nursing staff, the management of the limitations of the readapted worker, and the regular follow-up planning for him. Final considerations: Nurse managers are clear that readapted workers need special attention, so that their potentialities mat be maximized, respecting the workers’ limitations. Readapted workers must be encouraged to resume their self-esteem, identity, autonomy, and feel socially included.