The process, outcomes, and recommendations resulting from a project to develop a statewide nursing resource planning system are examined. Phase 1 of the project investigated nursing manpower demands for 1984 and 1986, while phase 2 studied the current scope of nursing practice. In addition to summarizing the findings of these investigations, methods of utilizing the resulting database are identified. The recommendations cover: future educational planning for nurses, professional practices of nurses, statewide organizational development of nursing resources, and future research. Outcomes included: (1) a planning/coordination network among the health care system, professional associations, regulatory agencies, and higher education agencies; (2) a nursing manpower demand and projections instrument specific to North Dakota and a computer program for analyzing nursing manpower requirements; (3) a nursing manpower supply model for the state based on nurse licensure data; (4) estimates of nursing manpower requirements for 1986; (5) a delineation of nursing practice that provides a base for curriculum development/revision and nursing staffing decisions; and (5) a rational planning approach for decision making regarding addition of new nurse education programs. (SW)