This qualitative study interviewed 16 teaching nurses at the PCU, with the purpose of identifying bridges and barriers between what it means to be a good nurse and nursing as a professional practice. The results indicate that the ethical nurse is competent at the most diverse levels; does not neglect the professional improvement/ continuous updating of his/her knowledge; strives for excellence in the exercise of the profession; protects and defends the human being from practices that go against the law, ethics or the common good; assumes the duty of knowing the needs of the population and the community in which he/she works; collaborates with other professionals in programs that meet the needs of the patient/family/community; respects the bio-psychosocial, cultural and spiritual integrity of the person; and maintains a standard of personal conduct that dignifies the profession. The following factors were identified as facilitators of good practice: patient-centered care; participatory assessment of patients' needs; professional competence; horizontal care; therapeutic proximity; professional satisfaction; professional autonomy; and knowledge update.