Tasks required of nurses in community settings were investigated as an initial step in identifying the competencies that comprise the role of community health nurse (CHN). An instrument to assess task performance was devised as a survey mailed to 376 field, outpost, child health, and school health nurses employed by the Western Australia Health Department. Responses from 96 participants on 3 survey days categorized tasks according to number and type of tasks performed, source of initiation (self, supervisor, client, other) and perceived degree and source of preparation for task performance. The questionnaire also gathered information on the nurses' perceptions of educational needs and role requirements. Analysis of responses according to functional, educational, and experiential categories suggest that task performance is context specific, rather than dependent on education or experience level. It was recommended that several content areas be added to existing community health nursing curricula. Improvement in educational service delivery to nurses practicing in nonmetropolitan areas was also recommended. A literature review was conducted covering historical developments pertinent to nursing education in Australia and abroad, education needs for the current role of the CHN, and educational preparation of the CHN. The questionnaire is included. (Author/SW)