[Concepts of care under perspective of students of a post-graduation program in nursing].

This study aimed at better understanding the notions or conceptions of care, as constructed by students of a Post-Graduate Nursing Program in the south of Brazil, by analyzing 362 master's degree dissertations published from 1978 to 2002. In these experiences of investigative care practice, the following categories were found: types of care, context of care, and the purpose or aim of care. The data showed different notions or concepts, on which considerations on the importance of these concepts for nurses' training and practice.