This article is the first in a 3-part series that supports a novel and comprehensive approach to the nursing shortage, that of idealized redesign of the nursing profession. Identifying the current approach as being one dealing with the symptoms, rather than the causes of the shortage, the authors argue for a qualitative, rather than the popular quantitative, approach to the shortage. Part 2 of the series (June 2004) focuses on the need for redesign based on contemporary nursing and work force issues. Part 3 (July/August 2004) suggests a path forward to advance this redesign work.