This study aimed at identifying through an integrative literature review, the scientific knowledge produced until 2008 about the Nursing Outcome Classification (NOC), which is used to evaluate nursing care. Among 15 selected articles, most (73.4%) were published in American journals, and by American authors (60.2%). Regarding the addressed themes, studies were categorized into four groups: use of the taxonomy in care practice (40%), validation of the elements (results, indicators and scales) of the taxonomy (40%), translation and validation of NOC (6.6%), and its use in computerized systems (13.4%). There is an increase in the production of works approaching NOC, however, further studies are needed to provide a better basis to use this classification, especially in clinical practice, as it is an important instrument in the systematization of the nursing care.