Abstract
Objective: To identify the managerial activities performed by the nurse in the surgical center, as well as to highlight obstacles faced by this professional to perform such activities in the sector. Methods: This is a descriptive narrative bibliographical review, performed through the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) database and the Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDEnf) and the academic search engine Google Scholar, using the descriptors “centro cirúrgico”, “gerenciamento” e “enfermagem”. Ten articles for discussion were selected, as well as a Handbook of Best Practices. Results: The management process involves both customer care and surgical unit management. The management of care is related to the search for quality care and better working conditions for professionals. The management of the unit in turn encompasses a series of technical-administrative functions essential to the proper functioning of the sector. Conclusion: Obstacles such as conflictive relationships and lack of material and human resources in the work routine of the surgical unit manager nurse, which requires these professionals resilience to overcome the challenges, leadership capacity and improvement of their management.