Cassie L Odahowski1, Elizabeth L Crouch2, Whitney E Zahnd3, Janice C Probst4, Selina Hunt McKinney5, Demetrius A Abshire6. 1. Rural & Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29201, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America. Electronic address: clo@email.sc.edu. 2. Rural & Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29201, United States of America; Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America. Electronic address: crouchel@mailbox.sc.edu. 3. Rural & Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29201, United States of America. Electronic address: zahnd@mailbox.sc.edu. 4. Rural & Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29201, United States of America; Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America. Electronic address: jprobst@mailbox.sc.edu. 5. Rural & Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29201, United States of America; College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America. Electronic address: hunts@mailbox.sc.edu. 6. Rural & Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29201, United States of America; College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America. Electronic address: abshired@mailbox.sc.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multiple professional organizations and institutes recommend the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as a minimum standard for registered nurse practice. Achieving this standard may be particularly challenging in rural areas, which tend to be more economically disadvantaged and have fewer opportunities for higher educational attainment compared to urban areas. PURPOSE: Our primary objective was to provide updated information on rural-urban differences in educational attainment. We also examined rural-urban differences in employment type, salary, and demographics among registered nurses in different practice settings. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS). The sample included registered nurses (RN) between the ages of 18-64 years (n = 34,104) from all 50 states. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between rurality and BSN preparedness and salary across practice settings. RESULTS: Urban nurses were more likely to have a BSN degree than rural nurses (57.9% versus 46.1%, respectively; p < 0.0001), and BSN preparedness varied by state. In adjusted analysis, factors in addition to residence associated with BSN preparation included age, race, and region of the country. Differences in wages were experienced by nurses across practice settings with urban nurses generally earning significantly higher salaries across practice settings (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to advance nursing workforce education are needed in rural areas and may contribute to improved care quality and health outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Multiple professional organizations and institutes recommend the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as a minimum standard for registered nurse practice. Achieving this standard may be particularly challenging in rural areas, which tend to be more economically disadvantaged and have fewer opportunities for higher educational attainment compared to urban areas. PURPOSE: Our primary objective was to provide updated information on rural-urban differences in educational attainment. We also examined rural-urban differences in employment type, salary, and demographics among registered nurses in different practice settings. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS). The sample included registered nurses (RN) between the ages of 18-64 years (n = 34,104) from all 50 states. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between rurality and BSN preparedness and salary across practice settings. RESULTS: Urban nurses were more likely to have a BSN degree than rural nurses (57.9% versus 46.1%, respectively; p < 0.0001), and BSN preparedness varied by state. In adjusted analysis, factors in addition to residence associated with BSN preparation included age, race, and region of the country. Differences in wages were experienced by nurses across practice settings with urban nurses generally earning significantly higher salaries across practice settings (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to advance nursing workforce education are needed in rural areas and may contribute to improved care quality and health outcomes.
Authors: Martin MacDowell; Michael Glasser; Michael Fitts; Kimberly Nielsen; Matthew Hunsaker Journal: Rural Remote Health Date: 2010-07-26 Impact factor: 1.759
Authors: Joshua Porat-Dahlerbruch; Linda H Aiken; Karen B Lasater; Douglas M Sloane; Matthew D McHugh Journal: Nurs Outlook Date: 2021-11-08 Impact factor: 3.315
Authors: Heather N Grome; Rameela Raman; Benjamin D Katz; Mary-Margaret Fill; Timothy F Jones; William Schaffner; John Dunn Journal: J Public Health Manag Pract Date: 2022-04-05
Authors: Karen B Lasater; Douglas M Sloane; Matthew D McHugh; Joshua Porat-Dahlerbruch; Linda H Aiken Journal: Res Nurs Health Date: 2021-06-14 Impact factor: 2.238