Nursing interest in coniputer use is on the increase; to dale, however, its focus has been on clinical applications. Manually processing tlie volunie of inforniatiori needed to effecrively and efficiently nianage a nioderri nursing deparinient beconies niore difficult daily. This paper investigates published nursing managenient conipuier applications. It points to the need to look beyond ihe siniple adniinisirative lo true nianagenient irlforniation systenis, and outlines a role for the nurse adniinisirator in preparing and iniplenientitig automatic daia processing (ADP) plans.