Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to understand how healthcare waste management is developed by nursing professionals in hospitals. METHODS: qualitative research, whose theoretical and methodological frameworks were Complexity Theory and Grounded Theory. Thirty-two nursing professionals from a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used. RESULTS: nursing affects healthcare waste management multidimensionally. Shortage of materials and work overload were identified as factors that influence professionals' decision-making and increase the risk of improper waste disposal. The lack of knowledge on the subject also influences nursing practice. However, professionals value actions related to hazardous waste. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: nursing professionals recognize themselves in healthcare waste management and understand the need to develop systemic awareness for sustainable practice.