title: Addressing the nursing shortage: a critical health care issue.
abstract: This article explores factors that influence a nurse's choice between working in a rural and an urban area. Understanding how nurses make the choice of which type of environment is critical to addressing this shortage, especially in these hardest hit rural areas. A comprehensive literature review suggested a number of factors worthy of investigation. These factors were assessed through six focus groups and a survey. Results suggest that native geographic preferences dominate, but that value congruence, economics, work facilities and stress all play a significant role in the decision when choosing between an urban and rural work environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Marketing, John A. Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA. dotsonmj@appstate.edu
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Dotson
authors.forename: Dinesh S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Dave
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Cazier
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009726:Nurses / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010560:Personnel Selection; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D014481:United States; D019037:Urban Health Services; D000078329:Workforce