In their daily practice, Brazilian nurses have been met with complaints from co-workers and patients, as well as bioethical dilemmas intrinsic to the profession, particularly in the context of care delivery. Complaints against nursing professionals have been in the media spotlight.

To examine complaints filed with the Regional Board of Nursing of Mato Grosso do Sul (COREN-MS) in Midwest Brazil.

Retrospective, analytical desk research of 111 complaints received by COREN-MS in 2003–2013 was carried out. Characterizations of complainant, professionals investigated, and complaints were the variables investigated.

The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul. To ensure confidentiality and anonymity, all documents retrieved were examined in situ and subjects were assigned numbered codes.

Most complainants were nursing professionals (40). Most causes of complaint originated in the hospital setting (65). Most allegations were made against nursing technicians and licensed practical nurses (82). Complaints involving interprofessional relationships (85), iatrogenic events (36), and professional liability (20) predominated.

Bioethical principles were breached, translating to poor-quality nursing care, detrimental to the professional image of nurses among users and nursing professionals alike.

The findings can serve as input to guide nursing schools and boards of nursing in developing policies to raise awareness among nursing professionals, sensitizing them to the responsible provision of care in the light of bioethical and legal principles.