Objective: To assess the need for the Brazilian Sign Language -LI-BRAS in the formation of nursing professionals.
Method:Descriptive, exploratory research with quantitative approach, carried out in the Hospital Complex of Infectious and Contagious Diseases Dr. Clementino Fraga in João Pessoa-Paraíba Brazil. The study population consisted of 252 nursing professionals and the sample, of 50 of them. For collecting the data, a structured form was applied in March and April 2015. The data were grouped and distributed in tables containing absolute numbers and percentages, and analyzed in the light of the relevant literature. Results: 42% of professionals have attended deaf people, of which 38% could not read, 43% of them were unaccompanied, and 68% of the respondents had no knowledge of LIBRAS. Conclusion: Everybody recognizes the importance of this knowledge in professional communication with the deaf, and suggests its inclusion in the training of nursing staff and training and qualifying employees.