This paper presents the findings related to the clinical role activities of nurse teachers in Project 2000 programmes. Data were collected by a Delphi survey of 25 colleges of nursing that had implemented Project 2000 between September 1989 and April 1991. The findings from the Delphi survey were explored more fully through in-depth interviews with a sample of the respondents. The findings identified a very strong commitment of the respondents to a clinical liaison role. But they did not perceive their role to be one of teaching students through 'hands on care'; they felt this was the role of the qualified staff in the clinical areas. The respondents considered it important to maintain their clinical credibility through theoretical updating rather than being able to perform as an expert practitioner.