A mail survey of inactive registered nurses who indicated they were either not employed or employed in a nonnursing field was conducted in the state of Alabama. Results of a multiple regression prediction model indicate their intention to return to nursing is affected by career satisfaction/commitment, demographic, and work history variables. The primary reasons for leaving the nursing field were more personal (i.e., pregnancy/child rearing) than professional. However, professional factors predominated when all the reasons for leaving or returning to the field were identified. Implications for management and policy are discussed.
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