[Nursing at the sterilized material center--continuing education practice].

This research aims to characterize Continuing Education (CE) practices offered to the staff involved in nursing activities at Sterilized Material Centers of hospitals located in the micro-region of São Jose dos Campos, Brazil. A descriptive research with quantitative analysis was carried out through structured interviews, with nurses, nursing technicians and auxiliaries, sterilization assistants and nursing students. It was found that 31.2% of the interviewees (one nurse and nineteen employees) took part in CE; 65.4% of the employees were not motivated to participate. The CE is theoretic-practical and optional, with direct supervision; employees are evaluated through performance observation and analysis, without any other formal instruments. We also observed the need for an actual CE service of CE with structured programs.