As a professional group, registered nurses in the United States continue to grow, reaching 2.9 million licensed nurses in 2004.1 The most recent sample study, released in June 2006 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) also confirmed that nurses are aging; the average age of RNs is now 46.8 years (47 years for women, 44.6 years for men). Although the number of male nurses continues to grow, men still represent a small percentage of the nursing workforce (5.8%). Ten percent of nurses surveyed identified themselves as racial/ethnic minorities. The highest level of nursing or nursing-related educational preparation is a diploma for 17.5% of RNs, associate degree for 33.7%, baccalaureate degree for 34.2%, and master's or doctoral degree for 13%. In 2004, 83.2% of the RN population was employed in nursing. The predominant employment setting is the hospital, the workplace for 56.2% of all RNs.1

An estimated 8.3% of RNs identified themselves as advance practice nurses (APN), signifying preparation as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Of these APNs, roughly 67% were nurse practitioners (NP) or were working in a combined NP/CNS role, and 24% were solely CNSs. Approximately 70% of APNs were nationally certified in their specialty, and 61.8% were recognized in their respective states to practice in at least one specialty.1

The complete report, available on the HRSA Web site, also describes survey results concerning job satisfaction, earnings, overtime, job functions, roles, employment settings, and other factors.

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