Data Sets
Over the past decade researchers In the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies (formerly at Vanderbilt University) and the Mongan Institute for Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital have conducted a program of survey research to assess the current and future state of the nursing workforce and evaluate the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future. This work has been conducted with the support of Johnson & Johnson, Gannett Healthcare, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and has involved collaborations with Harris Interactive, Social Science Research Solutions, and other colleagues.
Our survey research has been conducted in multiple modes with thousands of people—nurses, teenagers, parents and teenagers, nursing students and faculty, physicians, hospital chief executive officers, hospital chief nursing officers, the public, and health policy and workforce thoughtleaders. The results of our efforts have been published in more than 20 manuscripts in many nursing, medical and health policy journals. In addition, we have partnered with other researchers to do secondary analysis of other major surveys conducted in the US by federal agencies.
Our goal throughout these efforts has been to provide current and actionable data on the prevalence and severity of nursing shortages, the workplace environment for nurses and other health professionals, and to take measure of emerging health policy issues and initiatives affecting nurses. Over the past decade these have included, in addition to the Johnson & Johnson Campaign, critical areas of study including magnet certification, the Affordable Care Act, emerging issues in the adoption of health information technology, and IOM reports on quality of care, health disparities and the nurse workforce.
The collection and use of these data in a trended way over a substantial period of time has filled a void in public and policy access to data about the lives of nurses and their relationships with colleagues, patients, leaders and policy makers. We are grateful to those who have supported, and continue to support, our research and publication of this information.
For each survey, you will find a few items:
- A blank copy of the questionnaires (“Questionnaire” link)
- A “Topline” copy that shows marginal frequencies for all variables (selected surveys only)
- Links to publications where data from the survey were published. These publications contain more detailed methodology, response rates, and sampling information and should be used and cited where appropriate.
- Coming soon: a link to an external archive where the data set can be accessed
These materials are offered for public use. Any use of survey questions, instruments or data should use the following citation and provide the URL of this website and the date of access.
Survey Name, Survey Dates, Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies, Vanderbilt University.
Example: 2002 National Survey of Registered Nurses, 10/24/2001-3/13/2002, Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies, Vanderbilt University.
In the absence of formal research agreements, the research investigators are unable to provide unpaid advice or consultation about these materials or the conduct of related or derivative research.
Questions should be directed to: Christy Friedman, Program Manager: christine.m.friedman@vanderbilt.edu
Research Sponsor: Nurseweek and AONE
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 10/24/2001-3/13/2002
Sample Size: 4108
Population: Registered nurses in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail and Online
National RN 2002 Questionnaire
Data –coming soon
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, Norman L, Dittus R. Is the shortage of hospital registered nurses getting better or worse? Findings from two recent national surveys of RNs. Nurs Econ. 2005;23(2):61-71, 96, 55.
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, DesRoches C, Dittus R. Trends in the experiences of hospital-employed registered nurses: results from three national surveys. Nurs Econ. 2007;25(2):69-79, 55; quiz 80.
- Buerhaus PI, Staiger DO, Auerbach DI. The Future of the Nursing Workforce in the United States. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2009.
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 5/11/2004-7/26/2004
Sample Size: 1783
Population: Registered nurses in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail
National RN 2004 Questionnaire
Data –coming soon
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, Norman L, Dittus R. Is the shortage of hospital registered nurses getting better or worse? Findings from two recent national surveys of RNs. Nurs Econ. 2005;23(2):61-71, 96, 55.
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, Kirby L, Norman L, Dittus R. Registered nurses´ perceptions of nursing. Nurs Econ. 2005;23(3):110-8, 143, 107.
- Donelan K, Buerhaus PI, Ulrich BT, Norman L, Dittus R. Awareness and perceptions of the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing´s Future: views from nursing students, RNs, and CNOs. Nurs Econ. 2005;23(4):150-6, 180, 147.
- Ulrich BT, Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Norman L, Dittus R. How RNs view the work environment: results of a national survey of registered nurses. J Nurs Adm. 2005;35(9):389-96.
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, Norman L, Williams M, Dittus R. Hospital RNs´ and CNOs´ perceptions of the impact of the nursing shortage on the quality of care. Nurs Econ. 2005;23(5):214-21, 211.
- Norman LD, Donelan K, Buerhaus PI, Willis G, Williams M, Ulrich B, Dittus R. The older nurse in the workplace: does age matter? Nurs Econ. 2005;23(6):282-9, 279.
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, DesRoches C, Dittus R. Trends in the experiences of hospital-employed registered nurses: results from three national surveys. Nurs Econ. 2007;25(2):69-79, 55; quiz 80.
- Buerhaus PI, Staiger DO, Auerbach DI. The Future of the Nursing Workforce in the United States. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2009.
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 5/24/2006-7/28/2006
Sample Size: 1392
Population: Registered nurses in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail
National RN 2006 Questionnaire
Data –coming soon
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, Norman L, Dittus R. State of the registered nurse workforce in the United States. Nurs Econ. 2006;24(1):6-12, 3.
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, DesRoches C, Dittus R. Trends in the experiences of hospital-employed registered nurses: results from three national surveys. Nurs Econ. 2007;25(2):69-79, 55; quiz 80.
- Ulrich BT, Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Norman L, Dittus R. Magnet status and registered nurse views of the work environment and nursing as a career. J Nurs Adm. 2007;37(5):212-20.
- DesRoches C, Donelan K, Buerhaus P, Zhonghe L. Registered nurses´ use of electronic health records: findings from a national survey. Medscape J Med. 2008;10(7):164.
- Buerhaus PI, Staiger DO, Auerbach DI. The Future of the Nursing Workforce in the United States. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2009.
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 3/4/2008-6/3/2008
Sample Size: 1284
Population: Registered nurses in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail
National RN 2008 Questionnaire
Data –coming soon
- Buerhaus PI, Ulrich B, Donelan K, DesRoches C. Registered nurses´ perspectives on health care and the 2008 presidential election. Nurs Econ. 2008;26(4):227-35, 257.
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, DesRoches C, Hess R. Registered Nurses’ perceptions of nurse staffing ratios and new hospital payment regulations. Nurs Econ., 2009, Nov-Dec;27(6):372-6
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, DesRoches C, Hess R. Still making progress to improve the quality of the hospital workplace environment? Results from the 2008 National Survey of Registered Nurses. Nurs Econ. 2009 Sep-Oct; 27(5):289-301.
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 5/26/2010-8/24/2010
Sample Size: 1030
Population: Registered nurses in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail and Online
- DesRoches, C., Miralles, P., Buerhaus, P., Hess, R., Donelan, K. (2011). Health information technology in the workplace: findings from a 2010 national survey of registered nurses. The Journal of Nursing Administration (in press).
- Hess, R., DesRoches, C., Donelan, K., Norman L., Buerhaus, P. (2011). Perceptions of nurses in Magnet hospitals, non-Magnet hospitals, and hospitals pursuing Magnet status. The Journal of Nursing Administration. 2011 July/August;41(7/8):315-323.
Research Sponsor: Vanderbilt Nursing and Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 4/11/2003-6/23/2003
Sample Size: 510
Population: College nursing students in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail
Data –coming soon
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Norman L, Dittus R. Nursing students´ perceptions of a career in nursing and impact of a national campaign designed to attract people into the nursing profession. J Prof Nurs. 2005;21(2):75-83.
- Norman L, Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, McCloskey B, Dittus R. Nursing students assess nursing education. J Prof Nurs. 2005;21(3):150-8.
Research Sponsor: Vanderbilt Nursing and Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 1/6/2004-3/5/2004
Sample Size: 400
Population: United States Primary care physicians
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail
Data –coming soon
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 1/28/2005-3/11/2005
Sample Size: 142 CEOs and 222 CNOs
Population: CEOs and CNOs of hospitals in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail and Interviewer-Assisted Telephone
Data –coming soon
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, Norman L, Williams M, Dittus R. Hospital RNs´ and CNOs´ perceptions of the impact of the nursing shortage on the quality of care. Nurs Econ. 2005;23(5):214-21, 211.
- Buerhaus PI, Donelan K, Ulrich BT, Norman L, DesRoches C, Dittus R. Impact of the nurse shortage on hospital patient care: comparative perspectives. Health Aff (Millwood). 2007;26(3):853-62.
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: ICR
Survey Start/End Date: 3/8/2007-4/15/2007
Sample Size: 1604
Population: Adults aged 18+ in the United States
Mode of Data Collection: Telephone
Public Opinion 2007 Questionnaire
Data -coming soon
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: SSRS
Survey Start/End Date: 8/1/2009-10/1/2009
Sample Size: 123
Population: Leadership representatives of key stakeholder groups on health workforce policy
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Mail and Interviewer-Assisted Telephone
Data –coming soon
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 10/20/2010-12/13/2010
Sample Size: 503
Population: National Student Nurses Association Members Enrolled in Associate, Bachelor, Diploma, and Pre-Nursing Programs
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Online (Mail and Email Recruitment)
Research Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Survey Firm: Harris Interactive
Survey Start/End Date: 2/4/2011-4/30/2011
Sample Size: 249
Population: National Sample of Faculty in United States BSN and MSN Programs
Mode of Data Collection: Self-Administered Online (Mail and Email Recruitment)