Tape-recorded interviews were used in obtaining from fifty-two baccalaureate nursing graduates: (1) opinions about the hospital staff nurse position with reference to preservice education and (2) perceived deterrents to the practice of five clinical nursing functions. The aim was to discover certain factors in a large teaching hospital which may influence the professionally prepared staff nurse in carrying out her primary role as clinician. Clinical functions were identified from a review of the literature: (1) planning and implementing individualized nursing care, (2) teaching patient and family, (3) collaborating with members of the health team, (4) assigning and guiding nonprofessional assistants, and (5) utilizing intramural and inter-agency nursing referrals. Interview responses were classified by content areas, then categorized and reported as a description of a range of opinions and perceived deterrents.