New U.S. Nursing Workforce Study to Be Conducted

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - May 18, 2015) - National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN®), www.ncsbn.org, in partnership with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, will launch the only national-level survey specifically focused on the U.S. nursing workforce in June. Unlike a previous study conducted by this partnership in 2013 focusing solely on registered nurses (RNs), this study will also include licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs).

The study is aimed at generating accurate and up-to-date information on the supply of nurses in the U.S. These data are critical to planning for sufficient numbers of adequately trained nurses and ensuring a safe and effective health care system. 

From the more than 4.5 million RNs and LPN/VNs currently licensed in the U.S., the study will draw a national representative sample of 5.8 percent, approximately 260,000 nurses. Selected nurses will receive the survey and be able to respond via return mail or a survey website. Their aggregate responses will comprise the national nursing workforce dataset, which will be analyzed by NCSBN and The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers researchers. 

Current data on the nursing workforce is vital to predicting potential shortages and assisting in the allocation of resources, program development and recruitment efforts in both the education and health care sectors. The results of the 2015 survey will be especially valuable in light of expanding demand for nursing services, including primary care for the millions of newly insured under the Affordable Care Act, the growing population of aging Americans in long-term care facilities, and the advance of technologies that provide virtual access of health care providers to patients.

Key dates and information

• Announcement postcards will be sent in early June 2015 to the 260,000 nurses randomly selected to participate.
• Surveys will be sent out in mid June 2015.
• Respondents will have until early September to complete the survey online or send in via prepaid mail. 
• A 2015 workforce webpage on ncsbn.org will provide a timeline and study updates.
  
  

About NCSBN
Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together boards of nursing (BONs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. NCSBN's membership is comprised of the BONs in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories -- American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also 21 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.

NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses. These BONs regulate more than 4.5 million licensed nurses.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

About The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers
The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers is a national group of nurse workforce entities that focus on addressing the nursing shortage within each state and contribute to the national effort to assure an adequate supply of qualified nurses to meet the health needs of the U.S. population. The National Forum supports the advancement of new as well as existing nurse workforce initiatives and shares best practices in nursing workforce research, workforce planning, workforce development, and formulation of workforce policy. We share information in three major ways: through publications, via annual conferences, and by way of a virtual network located at http://NursingWorkforceCenters.org. 

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601-4277