Resumen
Objective: to understand the work organization of the nursing staff in a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs III. Methods: qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study developed in Zona da Mata Mineira. Data were collected from April to November 2016 with 10 nursing staff professionals through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using Minayo content analysis. Results: the following categories emerged: a) the work organization and actions of the nursing staff at CAPS ad III and b) the misadventures of a thought and lived practice and “the profession the way it has to be”. The study revealed that the organization of nursing work in CAPS ad III still reproduces the traditional model, which hinders the expression of subjectivity and creativity of workers and users. Final considerations: The nurse is an important protagonist in the transformation of the organization of nursing work, as it exercises care management, however it needs to encourage new proposals with articulation of knowledge / do that integrate all professionals.Key words: Nursing, Mental Health, Work Organization, Community Mental Health Services.