PURPOSE To analyze the knowledge related to the use of the Rasch model in validation of nursing diagnoses. METHODS Integrative literature review with search in LILACS, PUBMED, CINAHL, and SCOPUS. FINDINGS Five studies comprised the sample, which analyzed unidimensionality, local independence, item calibration, item reliability, separation of items and people, and differential item functioning for analyzing nursing diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS The Rasch model seems to be a useful method to validate nursing diagnoses and probably also for the validation of nursing outcomes in the Nursing Outcomes Classification. The use of this model is promising, considering the advantages that it can be used in studies with several methodological designs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Methods that are able to provide more robust evidence of nursing diagnosis validity are needed to support highly accurate diagnostic findings in clinical practice.