Abstract: Traditionally in nursing intuition has been linked to experience, typifying the expert practitioner. In the current health service climate, which demands measurable evidence based care, the involvement of intuition as an element of judgment is often denigrated. However, research evidence would suggest that intuition occurs in response to knowledge and is an important component of clinical decision making. The authors therefore argue that the essential nature of intuition cannot be ignored in the practice, management, education and research of nursing. Intuitive practice evolves from the merger of knowledge, skill and practice and, therefore, encompasses the broadest of knowledge bases. It can be a useful tool contributing to best evidence in nursing practice. Some of the benefits derived from intuition in practice is enhanced clinical judgment, effective decision making and crisis aversion. Denying the value of intuition devalues an important part of experience-based nursing practice.