A modified Delphi survey conducted during 1989-1990 identifies problems that Western Australian nurses consider research priorities. Participants were employed in hospital and health-care agencies throughout metropolitan and rural regions of the state. The large number of topics generated were analyzed and categorized into three areas of nursing: staff development, clinical practice, and management. Participants rated each topic on its importance to nurses and patients. The results are based on the 10 priority items identified in the staff development field.