California Hispanic nurses: analysis of 1997, 2004, 2006, 2008 survey data

Using data from the California Board of Registered Nursing Surveys of 1997, 2004, 2006 and 2008, this study explores demographic, human capital, and work environment changes in the Hispanic RN population and compared these changes to those occurring among non-Hispanic Whites. Results find several significant differences between the two groups. The most important finding is that Hispanic RNs enter and leave the profession at younger ages than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. There is an abrupt decrease in the proportion of Hispanic RNs after age 50, while the proportion non-Hispanic White continues to increase until age 65. Decided action is needed to increase recruitment and retention of Hispanic RNs in order to increase nurse-patient concordance and abate the looming nurse shortage.