A case study investigated three specific concerns related to the shortage of nurses and the decline in enrollment in nursing programs: (1) identification of reasons for the nursing shortage and enrollment decline; (2) identification of weaknesses in nursing that have contributed to the shortage of nurses and enrollment decline; and (3) identification of strengths in the nursing profession that could attract people to nursing. Data were collected through an extensive literature review; interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and practicing nurses in Maricopa County, Arizona; and mailed questionnaires to two random samples of 700 registered nurses who work in Arizona. Nurses identified several major issues as causes for the nursing shortage and enrollment decline in nursing programs. The issue that was repeated most frequently related to the lack of adequate financial compensation. Many respondents also believed that nursing has a poor image because of poor general working conditions and the way the media depict nursing. Recommendations based on the findings of the study included more nurse and nurse-educator representation on committees that have an impact on nursing salaries, more networking among nurses, assertiveness training for nursing students, and increased public relations and recruiting efforts for the nursing profession in general and for the Phoenix College nursing program in particular. (44 references.) (KC)