This study sought for scientific evidences on the use of nursing classification systems in care through an integrative literature review. The following databases were used LILACS and PubMed. The keywords used were classification, nursing, standardized language, system. Thirty-eight articles were selected. Five major classification systems, implemented in the services, were found: nursing diagnosis (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International), nursing interventions (Nursing Interventions Classification), nursing outcomes (Nursing Outcomes Classification), the International Classificationfor Nursing Practice and the International Classificationfor NursingPractice in Colletive Health. The articles covered aspects related to implementation, assessment continuing education and validation of terms related to classification systems. The use of nursing classification systems provides benefits for care, improving it, the quality of information and service organization.