A selected analysis of the nursing shortage: A look to the issues of recruitment and retention in explaining the new nursing shortage of registered nurses

Scope of study. This quantitative study was designed to compare RNs in urban and rural regions of selected mid-Atlantic states, to examine the differences geographic location has on employment decisions, and to describe the relationship among factors that influence the recruitment and retention of RNs. A post-test only control design was used to address the research questions and test the differences between factors. Fifteen hundred nurses were randomly selected from states representing the mid-Atlantic states. Of the 1500 survey questionnaires distributed, 429 were returned, for a response rate of 29%.; Findings and conclusions. The majority of RNs (59%) responding to the survey indicated they were overall satisfied with their jobs and felt they practiced in an autonomous manner. Several issues were examined from a rural and urban area perspective without the data showing a significant difference. The data did show a non-significant main effect on rural and urban areas for recruitment and retention of RNs and education or training in these settings. This significance was seen in Maryland. Additional results of this study show a modest to strong correlation between autonomy and job satisfaction. Incorporating the results of this study related to job satisfaction, autonomy, and education in nursing practice, education, and research is essential to the nursing profession. With active and positive actions, nursing leaders will be able to effectively address these issues that have been persistent problems associated with RN recruitment and retention.; In conclusion, living in a rural or urban setting had limited effect in this study. In relation to recruitment and retention, there was a statistical significance which state a nurse was working in. Both autonomy and job satisfaction were significant variables in the recruitment and retention of RNs. Additional education and training were not significant factors in rural versus urban areas of nursing practice. The survey instrument was able to differentiate between the factors in autonomy and job satisfaction.