Nursing supply and characteristics in the nonmetropolitan areas of the United States: findings from the 1988 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.
This study examines the supply and selected characteristics of nurses working in nonmetropolitan areas of the United States using the most recent data reported in the third national sample survey of registered nurses in 1988. Nursing supply is analyzed in terms of the ratio of registered nurses per 100,000 people for three standard nonmetropolitan census county size classifications and nine regional groupings of states. Seven dimensions relating to the educational background and current professional characteristics of registered nurses are studied. Findings indicate a notable difference in the ratio of nurses per population across county size and regions of the country. In terms of characteristics selected for this study, the educational background, salary gap, and time spent in various activities differentiate nurses in rural areas from those working in urban counties. Results of this study should be particularly relevant because a variety of educational, financial, and other incentives are being considered to address what is perceived to be a crisis in rural nursing availability.
Movassaghi
H
H
Ithaca College, Department of Business, NY 14850.
Kindig
D A
DA
Juhl
N
N
Geller
J M
JM
D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007325:Institutional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007587:Job Description; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D009726:Nurses / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D012424:Rural Population; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013383:Suburban Population; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population