ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the life and career of Anayde Corrêa de Carvalho and her contributions to nursing in Bahia. Methods: oral history of her life and documentary research, with thematic content analysis. Results: three categories were found: Personal Trajectory of Anayde Corrêa de Carvalho; The School of Nursing of Bahia; and School of Nursing of the University of São Paulo and Brazilian Nursing Association. Final Considerations: this study made it possible to analyze the life of an ethical and committed nurse, who dedicated herself to nursing education and research and contributed significantly to the construction of the image and development of nursing as a profession in Bahia.