Essential knowledge, practice, and values for the education of baccalaureate-level nurses are specified in a report developed under the direction of a national panel of representatives from the nursing, health care, and higher education communities. The report, entitled "Essentials for College and University Education for Professional Nursing," discusses the context of nursing and its effect on education and socialization of the nursing student. Abilities that the professional nursing program should develop are identified, along with seven values, including altruism, equality, and esthetics. Examples are provided of attitudes, personal qualities, and professional behaviors that reflect a commitment to each of these values. Also identified are types of knowledge needed to: determine health status and needs by interpreting health-related data, set goals and a care plan and implement the plan, define the health learning needs of clients or groups, evaluate patient responses to interventions, provide care for groups of three or more patients, use an analytical decision-making approach, coordinate resources for providing care, collaborate with patients and co-workers, refer individuals to sources of aid, work within the structure of health care settings, show accountability for one's own nursing practice, serve as an advocate to ensure quality health care practices, and promote nursing as a profession. (SW)