INTENTION OF INACTIVE REGISTERED NURSES TO RETURN TO NURSING

A mail survey of inactive registered nurses who indicated they were ei ther not employed or employed in a nonnursing field was conducted in t he state of Alabama. Results of a multiple regression prediction model indicate their intention to return to nursing is affected by career s atisfaction/commitment, demographic, and work history variables. The p rimary reasons for leaving the nursing field were move personal (i.e., pregnancy/child rearing) than professional. However, professional fac tors predominated when all the reasons for leaving or returning to the field were identified. Implications for management and policy are dis cussed.