PurposeThe concept of standardized nursing languages (SNLs) was introduced to solve the problem created by the use of different terminologies to document care by nurses working in diversified contexts. This study explored professional nurses’ experiences in the utilization of SNL in documenting patients’ care.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was adopted for this study, and a purposive sampling technique was used to select eight nurses for the study from a tertiary health facility. Data were collected using an in‐depth interview guide. Rigour and trustworthiness were ensured using the techniques of credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Data were analyzed according to Braun and Clarke's six‐step thematic analyses.FindingsThe key finding indicates that nurses appreciate the advantages of utilizing SNLs; however, they encounter some problems in formulating correct nursing diagnoses and several challenges in using SNLs, such as manpower shortage, lack of time, inappropriate materials, inadequate knowledge of NOC and NIC. These challenges have caused the utilization of SNLs among nurses to be poor.ConclusionsSNLs have been recognized as the gold standard for nursing practice; however, their usage is poor. To ensure the adequate use of SNLs, it is the responsibility of the nurse and the institution to resolve the barriers to the use of SNLs. The study recommends that the utilization of SNLS could be improved with the provision of more seminars, the creation of a policy on SNLs use, and the use of electronic documentationImplication to nursingThis study contributes by providing a picture of nurses’ experiences in utilizing SNLs in Nigeria, identifying challenges experienced and recommending ways to tackle these challenges.