BACKGROUND:
The racial profile of nursing in Brazil is the result of historical processes that have shaped access to professional training and the health labor market1. Although there has been an increase in the participation of brown and Black professionals in the field, significant inequalities persist when compared to the labor market entry and opportunities available to White professionals2-3. This study aimed to analyze the representativeness of brown and Black individuals in Brazilian nursing within the labor market, identifying how structural inequalities influence the composition of this professional category.

METHODS:
This is a critical theoretical reflection with a qualitative approach, based on secondary data from the study “Demography of Nursing in Brazil 2025”.

RESULTS:
The findings indicate that the majority of nurses still self-identify as White. Analysis of the race/skin variable in the Annual Social Information Report (Relação Anual de Informações Sociais - RAIS) from 2011 to 2021 revealed that formal employment ties are predominantly concentrated among White professionals, while brown and Black professionals represent a smaller proportion, with little variation over the historical series. These findings highlight the persistence of racial disparities associated with access to education, labor market entry, and career advancement opportunities4.

CONCLUSIONS:
It is concluded that, despite its significant diversity and social relevance, nursing continues to reproduce structural inequalities present in Brazilian society. Therefore, the implementation of public and institutional policies aimed at promoting racial equity, expanding access to high-quality education, and strengthening the inclusion and professional recognition of brown and Black nurses is essential, contributing to the construction of a more just, plural, and human rights-oriented nursing profession.