This paper describes how within a study on the experiences of district nurses since the introduction of general practitioner purchasing, participants were encouraged to describe and define the district nursing service. The identification of terminal care by district nurses and others as a significant and defining example of district nursing work is explored and the possible reasons for its emphasis over other aspects of patient care. The extent to which terminal care was used within contract and purchasing discussions to aid general practitioner understanding of district nursing work and achieve extra funding is described. The paper concludes by questioning the extent to which terminal care is a helpful and accurate representation of what district nursing work entails, and the implications there may be in emphasizing one aspect of care within a purchasing environment.