A review of the literature on continuing education was done to identify the literature related to practical nursing instructors, analyze the literature to see how it affects the practical nursing instructor, and make recommendations for a long-term plan of staff development for practical nursing instructors in Pennsylvania. The literature revealed that there is a definite need for a plan of staff development for practical nursing instructors. Between the years 1972 and 1976 there were thirty-two practical nursing programs throughout Pennsylvania with faculty members that did not meet minimum qualifications according to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners. At present there are no continuing education courses available specifically for practical nursing instructors, but these will need to be developed by institutions of higher learning if continuing education becomes mandatory. Among eight recommendations made based on the study findings are the following: institutions of higher learning in Pennsylvania need to design programs for health occupations teachers that consider working hours, length of school contracts, and commuting time; certification standards should be developed for postsecondary vocational educators throughout the United States; nationally, professional organizations need to agree on a method of evaluating continuing education; and a national panel should be appointed to define continuing education in nursing and to delineate and set continuing education standards for each of the specialty areas in nursing. (EM)