In a three-stage project, a computer program was devised to assist in the nursing process. As Stage I, a definition of nursing was developed upon which a systems model of the nursing process was constructed. In Stage II, the computer program was written to collect patient data and formulate nursing diagnoses related to functions of the skin, mucous membranes, nails, and hair. The program was designed to serve as a model for the development of a more comprehensive program that would include other functional areas, suggest patient objectives and nurse interventions, and help to evaluate nursing care. In Stage III, initial trials were conducted to obtain feedback from nurses. Nurses found the program took too long but agreed that with modification it could help them give better care.