This article describes nursing in Zimbabwe within the context of primary health care, delineating various levels of delivery of nursing practice, educational preparation levels and implications for practice. This picture is intended to capture the quality of nursing care that is congruent to clients' expectations of the ever-changing Zimbabwean society. Nursing programs at various levels include health assessment, nursing process and nursing research. Clinical specialization including functional majors such as nursing education, nursing administration as well as health economics and budgeting have greater emphasis at the Masters level. The practice of nursing assists individuals, groups and communities to attain the ability to exercise their self-care to enhance health promotion.