Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:25
Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
Associate degree graduates and the rapidly aging RN workforce.
D I Auerbach1, P I Buerhaus, D O Staiger
1Program in Health Policy, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Nursing Economic$
|November 4, 2000
Summary
The registered nurse (RN) workforce is aging, not primarily due to older graduates from associate degree nursing programs. A decline in younger individuals entering nursing is the main driver, leading to an older RN workforce overall.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Workforce Dynamics
- Healthcare Education Trends
- Gerontology in Healthcare
Background:
- The proportion of registered nurses (RNs) entering the workforce via associate degree programs increased significantly from 1977 to 1996.
- Both new and experienced RNs were, on average, five years older in 1996 compared to two decades prior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the rise in associate degree nursing programs and the aging registered nurse (RN) workforce.
- To identify the primary factors contributing to the observed aging trend in the nursing profession.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of workforce data tracking the educational pathways of registered nurses (RNs).
- Comparison of graduate demographics from associate degree and baccalaureate nursing programs over time.
- Examination of age trends within the RN workforce from 1977 to 1996.
Main Results:
- The increasing number of associate degree graduates does not directly explain the aging RN workforce.
- A decreased inclination among younger demographics (born after 1960) to pursue nursing careers was identified.
- This decline in younger entrants results in an older overall workforce and a relative increase in associate degree graduates compared to baccalaureate graduates.
Conclusions:
- The aging of the registered nurse (RN) workforce is primarily driven by fewer young individuals entering the profession.
- The shift towards associate degree programs, which historically attract older students, exacerbates the aging trend.
- Future nursing workforce planning must address the declining influx of young nurses.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Types of RNA
Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
01:53RNA Stability
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
01:53RNA Stability
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
03:21RNA-seq
RNA sequencing, or RNA-Seq, is a high-throughput sequencing technology used to study the transcriptome of a cell. Transcriptomics helps to interpret the functional elements of a genome and identify the molecular constituents of an organism. Additionally, it also helps in understanding the development of an organism and the occurrence of diseases.
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while microarray-based...
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while microarray-based...
01:20Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
RNA Performs Diverse...
01:20Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
RNA Performs Diverse...