The performance of intermittent bladder washouts by nurses for patients with long-term indwelling urethral catheters forms a frequent aspect of nursing practice. This study has interviewed 106 hospital and district nurses to establish their recommendations concerning the use of intermittent bladder washouts. Information collected comprised: when a bladder washout should be performed, its frequency, the solutions to be used and the rationale for its prescription. It was concluded that nurses' recommendations were not always correct or consistent, and that there is a need for further education regarding the use of bladder washouts so that recommendations are based upon scientific evidence. The implications of the findings for nursing practice and the need for fundamental research are discussed.