Background: Undernourishment occurs when the body no longer receives enough nutrition in the form of vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients, which is necessary to maintain the normal function of the body, but also in the inability to digest and absorb food. Older people are therefore at high risk of suffering from complications and admission to hospital care, which entails huge costs, both financially and humanitary. Different forms or assessments are often used to identify the risk of malnutrition. The nurse has a key position regarding assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of healthcare and care needs. Aim: To identify obstacles and opportunities to provide nutritional care. Method: A literature review based on eleven articles analyzed by content analysis. Results: In order to provide nutritional care of their elderly patients the nursing staff should receive basic information about the elderly resident’s routines and nutritional needs. Nurses described their need of internal courses for nursing staff, on nutrition. Education could be an opportunity to remind the staff the importance of nutrition for the elderly person. Conclusion: Knowledge and education are important parts for nurses to identify malnutrition in patients. The sometimes negative attitude among