Addressing the Nursing Shortage: A Critical Health Care Issue

Abstract

This article explores factors that influence a nurse's choice between working in a rural and an urban area. Understanding how nurses make the choice of which type of environment is critical to addressing this shortage, especially in these hardest hit rural areas. A comprehensive literature review suggested a number of factors worthy of investigation. These factors were assessed through six focus groups and a survey. Results suggest that native geographic preferences dominate, but that value congruence, economics, work facilities and stress all play a significant role in the decision when choosing between an urban and rural work environment.

KEYWORDS:

• nursing shortage
• retention
• recruitment
• rural health care
• value congruence

Notes

Note. χ² = 287.8, p = .000. H₀: Place of residence and place of employment are independent. P-value <.01 indicates the relationship exists between these variables.