Standardizing the language for nursing treatments: an overview of the issues

The development and use of standardized language in nursing marks the development of a new era of nursing science. It will assist the professional nurse to communicate with colleagues in her or his own facility and across the world. Being able to clearly articulate what it is we do makes visible what previously has been invisible about nursing. When we use standardized language to document the care we give, then we can build large databases, which will articulate with those of other health providers, that can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of nursing care. As we move into the 21st century, the use of standardized nursing language will become one of the hallmarks of the profession.