The purposes of the study were to: (1) re-examine the resources available in order to assess the change since a 1959 study, (2) project estimates of the region's nursing needs farther into the future, and (3) identify areas needing additional action. Regional and national data came from the United States Bureau of the Census, the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission, the United States Public Health Service, the National League for Nursing, the American Nurses' Association, and the state boards of nursing in the 13 Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education states. A survey of all nursing education programs secured information from 90.6 percent of the 287 programs. The findings revealed considerable progress in certain areas and the need for continued and expanded effort. Recommendations focus upon: (1) making nursing careers more attractive, (2) using nurses more effectively, (3) expanding educational opportunities, (4) accelerating curriculum development and research, and (5) disseminating effective public information. (JK)