This paper studies the perceptions of clinically based registered nurses in England concerning the role of the nurse teacher in different clinical areas at two National Health Service Hospital Trusts served by a single College of Nursing and Midwifery. Survey questionnaires were completed by 33 registered nurses employed at the two hospital trusts. Several generic issues on the role of the nurse teacher emerged, including: working with students in giving care to patients, tutorials, maintaining a college/clinical area link, and supporting both students and practitioners in their roles. Three major areas of concern were identified: (1) the uncertainties of clinical staff about the expected levels of achievement of students undertaking the new Registered Nurse/Diploma in Higher Education course; (2) the conflict in responsibilities between patient and student needs; and (3) the complexity of teaching and assessing functions expected of the registered clinical nurse in meeting the demands of students on different courses. (Contains 33 references.) (DB)