In summary, the findings from the study provide partial answers but also raise many new questions that are important to those whose goal is the quality of patient care. This research points to the need for (1) indepth analysis of different types of units to determine the variables that relate to the nursing staff's achievement of the nursing process and quality of care rendered; (2) study of the education and experience levels that best provide quality patient care in the most effective manner; and (3) identification of additional variables that influence delivery of quality patient care.