Legal protection of the‘nurse title is on course to become reality, with a move to change the law going through the UK parliament. As present only the title ‘registered nurse’ is protected – anyone can call themselves ‘nurse’ and NHS employers are using the term in job titles for unregistered roles. Campaigners for legal protection of the nurse title argue it is essential for public safety because patients need confidence in and clarity about the qualifications of the person providing treatment, care and health information. This quick-read article explains why the issue matters for nurses as well as patients.