taken within each institution and adapted to the particular organization's structure. In some cases clarification of policies and practices requires further guidance from the nursing organizations. Some practices-such as the administration of intravenous therapy by nurses for instance-must be examined in terms of the laws of each state. To keep interest alive and to continue the useful dispersal of findings, we will present the gist of the findings in a series of nontechnical articles which will appear in the Journal. The first step for nursing organizations and institutional administrators will be to analyze the findings and ask, Is this acceptable practice in nursing? Their second step will be to state, If these practices are acceptable, let it be known that they are duties or functions to be assigned to certain categories of personnel. Then, to determine within each institution if the designated personnel have been taught to perform the functions agreed upon. Finally, to ask, Do the laws of this state permit nurses to carry out this function? Where fundamental changes in curriculum and practice are involved, educational institutions and accrediting agencies, including state boards of nursing, should be working on solutions. Our primary purpose in this article and in those to follow will be to reach the individual nurses, and their colleagues in allied fields, with interpretations that they can use-to increase their own understanding of the nursing profession, and to promote communication, exploration, and experimentation.