Background

Nearly 10% of registered nurses (RNs) work in long-term care (LTC). Previous research has reported that RNs working in LTC receive lower pay than those in hospitals.

Purpose

This study examined demographic and human capital characteristics associated with RN employment in LTC and wages.

Methods

National survey data were analyzed using descriptive and regression analyses.

Discussion

RNs working in LTC are older, more often educated outside the United States, and more likely to live in rural areas than other RNs. LTC-employed RNs earn 9.5% less than non-LTC RNs. There were no racial, ethnic, or sex differences in the probability of employment in LTC or in the wages earned by LTC or non-LTC nurses.

Conclusion

Our results point to the importance of addressing low wages for RNs who work in LTC settings. LTC employers should also seek to improve other work environment attributes to make LTC employment more attractive to RNs.