Objective: To analyze the knowledge of nurses on teaching of leadership in the undergraduate and its exercise in a hospital environment. Method: Qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study. There were interviewed 37 nurses working in a public hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and it was categorized according the Thematic Analysis method, using the NVivo software. Results: The nurses recognize leadership as professional

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... ompetence and mentioned positive aspects related to the leadership formation in graduation, which was obtained from significant theoretical contribution, provided by nursing professors. The institution lacks investments to offer theoretical and practical leadership support. Final Thoughts: Teaching leadership during graduation requires transversal approach, as well as strategies of permanent education that potentiate the exercise of leadership in a hospital environment.