Computerized database management can be a time-saving and effective mechanism by which the nurse administrator can store, organize, and retrieve important information, such as staffing patterns within and across units, nursing staff characteristics, nursing care efficiency, and client care costs, among many others. This article describes the basic terminology and fundamental principles that underlie database management systems. Brief guidelines are included at the conclusion of the paper to assist nurse administrators in selecting appropriate microcomputer database management programs suitable for their unique informational needs and based upon their data structure, as well as the resources and restrictions of the user environment. A database management system can provide the nurse administrator with a superior method for the storage and retrieval of information, as well as an effective and efficient mechanism for organizational problem solving, institutional planning, and the conduct of nursing research.