This national study was designed to gather baseline data about the reading activities of registered nurses. Questionnaires were administered by nurse continuing educators to subjects (N = 1406) at 44 sites in 25 states and the District of Columbia. In a week, the mean amount of time devoted to professional literature was four hours, 48 minutes (SD = 3.88) plus eight hours, 12 minutes (SD = 5.15) to general material. This translated to reading one hour and 51 minutes per day, slightly more than the average adult. Educational level, position, and memberships were the best predictors of how much time was spent reading job-related material that might lead to self-development and enhancement of nursing practice.