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A recent Journal of Professional Nursing study suggests that hiring nurses who have completed a nursing degree after obtaining a first degree in an unrelated field may be an efficient solution to the nation's nursing shortage, McKnight's Long Term Care News reports. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a team led by a researcher at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing surveyed a sample of 953 R.N.s from 35 states who had obtained licensure five to 18 months prior. According to the survey, second-degree nurses were typically older, more motivated and had more work experience, factors that may help them better adapt to the high demands of the nursing profession, resulting in reduced nurse turnover and higher job satisfaction. By comparison, first-degree nurses were more likely to report dissatisfaction with their work settings and jobs and were more likely to leave the profession. The survey also revealed that first-degree nurses worked slightly more hours weekly and were more likely to provide direct patient care than second-degree nurses. In addition, the researchers note that, because second-degree nurses already have degrees, they can be oriented in significantly less time than first-degree nurses. However, because they are older, they may have shorter nursing careers. Based on the findings, the researchers conclude that second-degree nurses could be a viable means to addressing the nation's nursing workforce shortages. The researchers also suggest the findings could be used to help hospital administrators design recruitment and retention programs that address the unique needs of each nursing group (McKnight's Long Term Care News, 1/26/09; University at Buffalo release, 1/28/09; Brewer et al., Journal of Professional Nursing, January/February 2009 [subscription required]).