This article describes the STAKES (National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health) Priorisation Project which started at the beginning of 1993. The project surveys ethical problems related to welfare and health care resource allocation. It searches for principles which could be applied in setting priorities whether they are aimed at service systems or individuals. A public debate has been instigated on choices, their justification and values which influence them. A conflict arises when medical advances have improved treatment possibilities and the needs have increased, but health care resources have remained on the same level or diminished. The role of nursing is to safeguard the rights of the patients. Now it is more important than ever to base nursing practice on ethical principles.