Characteristics of internationally educated nurses in the United States: an update from the 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.

· Internationally educated nurses (lENs) have become an integral part of the U.S. registered nurse workforce. · To understand the U.S. RN workforce and conduct nurse workforce planning, it is fundamental to know the who, what and where about lENs. · Analysis of the 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses revealed demographic and employment characteristics of lENs practicing in the United States. · The results can help employers, recruiters, and policymakers stay abreast of the changing profile of IENs in order to make informed decisions regarding the recruitment of IENs, and U.S. workforce planning and policy. More importantly, systematic actions such as developing tailored transitional programs should be implemented to better integrate and retain IENs who are playing an increasingly important role of caring for Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]