The conference brought together 45 persons who have had extensive experience in nurse staffing research. After the leadoff paper by Myrtle K. Aydelotte, which presented an overview of nurse staffing research, 10 papers were presented on variables considered to be significant in influencing the quantitative and qualitative demand for nurse staffing. These included patients' requirements for nursing services, architectural design of the hospital, administrative and cost factors, and social-psychological factors. In addition, papers were presented on the evaluation of quality of nursing care and the impact of computerized information systems on staffing. The papers were followed by presentations by discussion leaders who addressed themselves to points raised in the papers. These presentaions, the opening remarks of Jessie M. Scott, and a summary and synthesis of the entire conference are also included in the publication. Appended are four task force reports offering recommendations on future directions for research. (Author/MW)