Characteristics of internationally educated nurses in the United States.

Among an estimated 2.7 million U.S. nurse workforce in March 2000, about 4% were internationally educated nurses. This secondary analysis of the 2000 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses profiles this unique segment of the U.S. nurse workforce. Findings indicate that internationally educated nurses have distinctive demographical, educational, and employment characteristics when compared to U.S.-trained nurses. Implications of the findings are elaborated in lieu of the present U.S. nurse shortage.