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Introduction : Compliance with hygiene rules constitutes a central element of care practices in general and nursing training in particular. This study seeks to comprehend the behaviors associated with adherence to rules of hygiene based on the discourse of students in nursing training. The theoretical frame of reference is ethogenic and aims to explain the behaviors through the social conventions, culture and environment of care professionals.Method : 159 students in training were interviewed in focus groups to evoke the themes of violation of and adherence to hygiene rules.Results : The participants’ comments collected illustrate that behaviors depend upon the perception of the contexts of care, skills and recognition within an in-training professional care work group.Conclusion : The results emphasize the importance of developing rules-based education on hygiene, while avoiding the establishment of resistance associated with the application of rules of hygiene in the workplace.