Labor Market Trends Among Registered Nurses: 2008-2011

Abstract

This study uses recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and RN licensing exam to examine the recession’s effect on the RN labor market. It then reports results of a survey of 518 hospital nursing officers conducted in 2008 and 2010 matched with institutional data from the American Hospital Association. These unique data show how the recession led hospitals to slow hiring despite accelerating attrition of retirement-age nurses; shift away from H1-B, agency, and overtime work; and reduce training and other benefits for new hires. More broadly, results show how nurse staffing practices adapt to market conditions. Results also suggest reduced hospital support for nursing education may strain the supply of managerial and specialty nurses as baby-boom nurses retire.

Keywords: Nursing, Staffing, Hospitals

JEL Classification: I10, J33