Role expectations among staff nurses in hospitals have been linked to turnover and attrition from the profession and may be associated with phenomena such as absenteeism and burnout. A study was conducted in eight Midwestern hospitals to obtain an empirically based model of staff nurse role conception. Seven major components of the construct were identified, which included 12 different dimensions. Data from the study provided helpful information for nurse administrators in understanding the dynamics of the hospital work environment for staff nurses. Potential sources of role conflict are discussed.