The history and the evolution of nursing diagnoses in the USA are briefly presented, together with the main controversies and objections against their widespread introduction and use in Europe. Though the creation of a nursing diagnoses taxonomy might be a very exacting but culturally stimulating task, one of the main problems to overcome is the identification of a theoretical framework. Clinical and theoretical research is needed to validate in our culture the process of formulation and the practical implications of nursing diagnoses identified in the States.