Search exploratory and descriptive qualitative approach which aims to discover the perception of the nursing team in a surgical unit of a hospital in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, related to pain assessment before and after surgical procedures. A semi-structured interview were used to collect data from 14 professionals of the nursing team, with four nurses and ten technicians. Data was subjected to the technique of content analysis, and two categories were identify: "The assessment of pain" and "Management of pain relief." It was concluded that the participants have professional knowledge of how to assess pain in spite of the characteristics of the team. It is emphasized the need for supervision and training of nurses to standardize the assessment and management. It is suggested the establishment of protocols to make the process uniform and systemic throughout the institution.
