The basic objective of this study was to identify the possible determinants of the labor market behavior of the registered nurses in Nebraska. To accomplish this end, two models were developed. The first model describes the labor force participation rates of registered nurses which was studied by means of probit analysis. The second model is concerned with the number of hours worked by registered nurses. Multiple regression analysis was used in this model to estimate the coefficients of the independent variables. Cross-sectional data, which were used in both models, were obtained by sending 650 questionnaires throughout the State of Nebraska. A total of 419 questionnaires (65 percent) were returned, of which 385 (60 percent) were usable. Age, experience, non-labor income, the presence of children under six years of age, the availability of part-time jobs, the working relationship between nurses and nursing administration, and work conditions were found to be significant determinants of labor force participation of nurses. The most important variables influencing the decisions of nurses concerning the amount of time devoted to labor market work were the wage rate, non-labor income, age, the presence of children under six years of age, availability of part-time jobs, the relative wage, and type of nursing employment. It is concluded that the provisions of subsidized child care facilities, greater flexibility in work scheduling, the admission and employment of more non-white nurses, especially blacks, to the nursing profession, the reconstruction of the compensation and promotion schedules for experience and performance, increasing hourly wage of nurses, and improvement in the work environment might all increase the supply of nursing services both in the short-run and the long-run and also improve the nurse\u27s productivity
