The purpose of this study was (1) to develop a model of required functions and effective behaviors of psychiatric nurses in mental health programs in Massachusetts and (2) to construct a model of objectives of a continuing education program for them. Perceptual data concerning functions of nurses were gathered by interviews with authorities, supervisors and nurses concerning effective and ineffective behaviors. Additional data were gathered from non-participant observation in two state hospitals and two mental health centers. Data analysis led to the formulation of two categories of functions: direct nursing care, and collateral nursing care (including administration, staff development and training, consultation, and research). Authorities felt the ideal function of the psychiatric nurse was individual therapy but perceived that they actually were performing collateral functions, particularly administration. Supervisors and nurses perceived the most important ideal function to be that of general nursing care but they both saw their real functions about equally divided between direct and collateral nursing care. The work of psychiatric nurses in community mental health programs was seen to be the same in state hospitals and in mental health centers. (EB)