Abstract
Objective: To demonstrate the importance of nurses' performance in reporting adverse events, seeking to improve assistance quality and patient safety. Methods: A qualitative research was conducted, as narrative review sort, using scientific articles with time lapse from 2005 to 2019. Literature review: Subjects such as the occurrence of adverse events in nursing care, the relevance of reporting these events, conducts aimed at effectiveness in patient safety and excellence in treatment of health institutions were addressed. Final considerations: It was observed that the nurse's performance is essential in the work process, as this professional becomes a key player in helping to diagnose risks and incidents in daily care, besides managing, planning, organizing, performing actions, discussing periodically with his team, developing and giving training in order to optimize patient care. The nursing professional is the primary source of care for achieving qualified assistance.