Conflicting views exist about the utility of nursing diagnosis in community health nursing, particularly in relation to its use with population groups. Until recently, this application of nursing diagnosis received limited consideration by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association. As a result, discussion is needed regarding the ways in which use of nursing diagnosis with population groups in community settings may be different from the use of nursing diagnosis with individuals. In this article several distinctive characteristics of the use of nursing diagnosis for health promotion with various population groups are addressed. Thoughtful consideration of these distinctive characteristics can provide a foundation for effective use of nursing diagnosis with population groups in community settings.