This study was undertaken to identify continuing education program design and promotion preferences of nurses in the Washington metropolitan area and to determine relationships between these preferences and selected demographic characteristics of study participants. Data were collected using a 73-item survey instrument. The instrument developed by the investigator, collected information from 279 respondents in fourteen categories. Analysis of collected data indicated nurses preferred continuing education programs that are four to six hours in length, held in the middle of the week, held anywhere space is adequate and available but within one hour's driving distance. Program titles featuring lengthy descriptions and new information were preferred as were programs listing several speakers on one topic. Academic degrees of faculty do not seem to influence nurses decisions to participate, but experience related to topic does. Subjects generally wanted detailed information about programs to make decisions and tended to learn about programs through brochures mailed to their home. Program approval by recognized bodies would positively influence nurses choices but the awarding of contact hours for participation would not influence decisions. Cost and distance were sited as attendance deterrents and the majority of respondents would not personally pay more than $25 for a CE program. Employed nurses are receiving registration fee support and paid leave time for CE. The data also indicated that nurses are making their own CE program decisions. Study findings suggest that, for these nurses, some modifications in program design and use of promotional materials may be warranted by continuing education providers.