Factors affecting the labor supply decisions of registered nurses

Abstract

We estimate the labor force participation and the full-time and part-time work decisions of female registered nurses (RNs) and find higher wages are not a significant factor to (a) increase the likelihood of working nor (b) to encourage full-time work. Another key factor is age which, given the aging of the RN population, foreshadows dwindling labor supply. This, while demand for RNs is predicted to continue to rise, will exacerbate labor shortages in the market for RNs. The results also offer insight to explain the reduction in labor supply wage elasticities for female workers in general in the United States. (JEL I11, J22, J44). © 2019 Western Economic Association International