Understanding the supply and distribution of registered nurses: Where are the data and what can they tell us?

Martiniano R, McGinnis S, Moore J. Understanding the supply and distribution of registered nurses: Where are the data and what can they tell us? Annual Review of Nursing Research. 2010;28:43-61.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21639023

In order to quantify RN supply/demand gaps, it is important to have accurate data on RNs, including the number of active RNs as well as their demographic, education, and practice characteristics, and work location(s). A lack of relevant and timely data on the nursing workforce is a significant barrier to identifying where nursing shortages exist, where they are most severe, and determining the factors that contribute to them. This lack of understanding impedes the development of effective health workforce programs and policies to mitigate shortages and the ability to evaluate these programs and policies for effectiveness. This study describes the national data sources available to nursing researchers to study the supply and distribution of the RN workforce and assesses the sources’ strengths and limitations. This study also explores the potential for using state-level data for nursing workforce research.