In 1991-92, a project was undertaken at Napa Valley College to update the college's 1990 Comparative Study of Vocational Nursing Curriculum and Employer Requirements, to develop a model articulation program for licensed nurses pursuing associate degrees, and to produce a guide for recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups in vocational nursing programs. The study incorporated data from vocational nursing programs, employers of licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in a variety of acute and long-term facilities throughout California, and recently licensed vocational nurses. Significant findings included the following: (1) 77.4% of the responding employers (n=235) indicated that they would hire more LVNs if they were available; (2) 43.6% of vocational nursing programs represented (n=39) currently had waiting lists for admission; (3) current graduates continued to meet the needs of health agencies; (4) the majority of the 89 vocational nurses surveyed were satisfied with their employment; (5) current programs needed support services for increasing numbers of students from special populations; (6) recent changes in programs included curriculum revisions, adding prerequisites, lengthening the programs, developing part-time programs, and adding leadership components; (7) curriculum recommendations included increased emphases on non-clinical skills, gerontology, and rehabilitation, while maintaining a medical-surgical focus; and (8) 86% of the LVNs surveyed (n=93) were interested in obtaining advanced degrees in nursing. Appendixes provide data tables for program, agency, and LVN survey questions, including the number of respondents. A three-page summary of data/conclusions for the model articulation program is also attached. (JSP)