To do this they first need to be able to express in their own language what it is they do for patients and clients, why, and with what outcomes. Next they must be able to share and compare their expressions with those of other nurses through a standardised, common, terminology which ensures that like is compared with like. Nursing’s professional language must capture the full range and variety of individualised, holistic care: developing this language is not about standardising care but about achieving standards for the way we express nursing.