As underlined in papers and group discussions, the growth of nursing continuing education (NCE) requires a fuller commitment within the profession to the ideal of lifelong learning, improved self-diagnosis of needs, and a profession wide program of continuing career development. A national survey of existing NCE programs shows a predominance of full time directors (27 with master's degrees, four with doctorates, one baccalaureate); numbers of full time nurse faculty range from three to 23. Recourse to budgets, fees, grants, and tuition for financial support varied widely. One program's experience of how to get funds stressed the importance of identifying needs and securing a strong diversity of sources. NCE participation studies at the University of Wisconsin and elsewhere reveal (among other things) strong motivation to undertake and persist in NCE programs, especially among nurses who pay their own fees. Meanwhile, such new concepts as health teams, career ladders, and a continuing education core curriculum are emerging. (The document includes an overview of regional nursing programs in several states, telephone instruction and other audiovisual technology, and issues in program evaluation.) (LY)