Projections of supply and demand for registered nurses (RNs) through the 1980's are presented with specific reference to the 14 southern states. The importance of manpower projections and studies for registered nurses is emphasized in light of figures that show the number of graduates from entry-level programs in the southern states has doubled since 1970. Enrollment trends for associate, baccalaureate, and graduate nursing programs are provided as well as ratios of employed nurses to 100,000 population for each southern state. It is suggested that the manpower outlook for registered nurses will be seriously affected by at least three important influences: (1) aspirations of registered nurses; (2) the shape of the health care delivery system; and (3) the pressure on the entire health industry to contain costs. National projections of nursing supply and requirement balances are discussed using statistics from three federally-funded research projects: (1) the Pugh-Roberts Study, (2) Doyle Projections; and (3) the WICHE Nursing Project. Based on the results of these projects, it is concluded that when states estimate requirements on the basis of need, the results point to a shortage and when based on extrapolation of current RN staffing patterns and utilization rates of health service, the results point to a surplus of RNs. Policy perspectives on the situation are discussed. It is recommended that shortages caused by uneven distribution be remedied and a set of competencies for various employment settings that relate to corresponding differences in baccalaureate versus degree training be developed. (BH)