Factors Associated with Rural-Residing Registered Nurses' Choices to Work in Urban Locations and Larger Rural Cities
The WWAMI RHRC's analyses of more than two decades of data from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN) show that between 1980 and 2004, increasing percentages of registered nurses (RNs) commuted from their rural residences to jobs in larger rural or urban areas (14% of rural RNs commuted in 1980 vs. 37% in 2004). This occurred despite the fact that the proportion of RNs living in rural areas increased.
This study will explore RN and community factors that may be associated with decisions to commute from rural areas of residence to work in less rural areas.
At the RN-level, we will examine demographic, education, employment and wage characteristics of the RNs who commute outside of their residence with those who do not. At the community-level, we will examine the health care facility and economic profiles of the areas in which the commuting RNs work and reside. In addition, we will compare RN commuting characteristics and associated individual and community factors in different regions of the country and across different types of rural areas (e.g., isolated small rural areas). Secondary datasets to be used include the 2004 National Sample Survey of RNs, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Area Resource File, the Economic Research Service County Typology Codes, Claritas population data, and the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas.
A working paper and policy brief of findings will be produced, as well as a manuscript for submission to a peer reviewed journal. Findings will be presented to relevant policy and research audiences.
Publications
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Characteristics of Rural RNs Who Live and Work in Different Communities
Policy Brief
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 09/2012
This policy brief explores why many registered nurses living in rural areas of the United States leave their communities to work in other rural and urban communities. -
Characteristics of Rural RNs Who Live and Work in Different Communities (Final Report)
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 09/2012
This study explores factors associated with registered nurses' decisions to commute away from their rural areas of residence for work.