Appendix A - Questionnaire Changes

Appendix A
2026 NSSRN Questionnaire Changes

The following is a summary of the changes to the 2026 NSSRN questionnaire:
•

•

•
•

Changes due to the Coronavirus Pandemic
o The 2022 Section J – Nursing During the Coronavirus Pandemic was removed for
the 2026 data collection effort.
o Coronavirus-related response options were removed for 2026.
Changes based on cognitive testing recommendations
o Some question items were re-ordered to make the questionnaire flow more
naturally for respondents.
o A section of questions regarding nursing burnout was added (Item C47 on the
2026 form).
o Explanatory text was added to the paper form and help text added to the internet
data collection instrument.
Redundant or unneeded open-ended response options were removed when they proved to
be laborious and unneeded after the 2022 data collection period
Below is a detailed list of all questionnaire changes from 2022 to 2026.

OMB Changes from April 19th to Current
Type of Change (New
Questionnaire Question, Response
Impacted
option, etc.)

Description of Change

Current
Question
Number

2026 Current Question Wording

2022 Prior Survey Wording

NSSRN

Year

NSSRN

Change in REFDATE

The year changed throughout the survey
The reference date for respondents changed
throughout the survey

Survey-wide

2026

2022

Survey-wide

31-Dec-25

31-Dec-21

NSSRN

Question wording

Change from Nurse Anesthetist to Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist

A7

On December 31, 2025, did you have any active nursing
certifications as a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist,
Nurse-Midwife, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist?

NSSRN

Question wording

Updated question wording

A8b

Were any of these certifications from a National NP Board?

Which of the following National NP Board Certifications did you
hold? Mark (X) ALL that apply.

NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN

Question wording and
response options
Response option
Response option

Change to the phrasing of the question
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field

A8c
A8c
A9c

Family NP
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Adult NP
Gerontology NP
Pediatric Primary Care NP
Pediatric Acute Care NP
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Neonatal NP
Women’s Health NP
Other
Other
Other

On December 31, 2021, did you have any active nursing
certifications as a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse
Specialist, Nurse-Midwife, or Nurse Anesthetist?
Were any of your NP certifications from a NATIONAL
CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION?
Which of the following NP certifications did you have from a
NATIONAL CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION? Mark (X) ALL that
apply.
Family NP
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Pediatric Primary Care NP
Pediatric Acute Care NP
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Neonatal NP
Emergency NP
Advanced Diabetes Management NP
Palliative Care NP
Women’s Health Care NP
School NP
Other, Specify:
Other, specify:
Other, specify:

NSSRN

Response option

NSSRN
NSSRN

Question numbering
Response option

Updated response options
Changing B1 to B1a and addd a new question for
B1b
Removal of writein field

A12

No certifications
Advanced Diabetes Management and Care (ADM-BC, CDE, CDCES,
etc.)
Ambulatory Care Certification (AMB-BC, etc.)
Cardiac or Vascular Nursing (CMC, CSC, CV-BC, etc.)
Case Management (CM, CCM, ACM, CMGT-BC, etc.)
Critical Care Certificate (CCRN, etc.)
Emergency Nursing (BCEN, CEN, EMT, ENPC, ENP, etc.)
Hospice and Palliative Care (ACHPN, CHPCA, CHPN, CHPPN, etc.)
Informatics (NI-BC, etc.)
Lactation (CLC, CLE, CLS, IBCLC, etc.)
Life Support (BLS, ATLS, ACLS, BCLS, PALS, etc.)
Medical-Surgical Nursing (CMSRN, MEDSURG-BC, etc.)
Nutrition (CNSC, etc.)
Obstetric Nursing or Women’s Health (RNC-OB, C-ONQS, etc.)
Oncology (OCN, AOCNP, CPHON, CPON, etc.)
Pediatrics (CPN, C-NPT, PED-BC, etc.)
Perioperative Nursing (CFPN, CNOR, CNS-CP, etc.)
Progressive Care Nursing (PCCN, etc.)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing and Addiction or Substance
Abuse Nursing (PMH-BC, PMHS, CARN, CBHC, etc.)
Public Health Nurse (PHNA-BC, etc.)
Resuscitation (CPR, NRP, etc.)
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE, etc.)
Stroke and Related (SCRN, NHISS, etc.)
Trauma Nursing (TCRN, TNCC, ATCN, ATN, etc.)
Wound Care or Ostomy Nurse (AWCC, CWCA, CWCN, CWOCN,
CWON, CWS, WCC, COCN, etc.)

No certifications
Ambulatory Care Certification
Critical Care Certificate (CCRN)
Emergency Medicine or Nursing (EMT, ENPC, etc.)
Life Support (BLS, ACLS, BCLS, etc.)
Resuscitation (CPR, NRP, etc.)
Trauma Nursing (TNCC, ATCN, ATN, etc.)
Other, Specify:

B1a
B1a

B1a
N/A

B1
Other, specify:

NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN

New question
Response option
Response option
Response option
Response option

Addition of a new question
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field

B1b
B5
B6
B7
B10b

NSSRN

Question wording

Updated question wording

B13a

Was this degree earned through any of the following types of
programs? Mark (X) ONE box only.
LPN- or LVN-to-RN program
Accelerated degree program, which allows students to complete
their degree in a shorter period of time than usual
Direct degree program, which allows students to move directly into
a nursing program based on prior nursing or non-nursing degrees or
credit hours
None of these
Other resources
Other
Other
Other
Have you completed an RN transition-to-practice program? A
transition-to-practice program is a training program that helps new
nurses transition from academic education to professional nursing
practice.

N/A
Other resources, specify:
Other, specify:
Other, specify:
Other, specify:

Have you completed an RN residency or transition-topractice program?

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

B13b

NSSRN

Question wording

Updated question wording

B13c

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

B15

NSSRN

Question wording

Updated question wording

C7a

NSSRN
NSSRN

Question wording
Response option

Updated question wording
Removal of writein field

C7b
C11

NSSRN

Response option

Removal of the writein fields and updating the
other option wording (4)

C12

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

How long did this program last? Your best estimate is fine.
Did you have one or more preceptors assigned to you during this RN
transition-to-practice program?
The Health Resources and Services Administration sponsors a
number of programs to support nursing workforce development.
Which of the following programs are you aware of? Mark (X) ALL that
apply.
Faculty Loan Repayment
Maternity Care Nursing Workforce Expansion Program
National Health Service Corps
Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship
Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention Program
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Nursing Student Loans
Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program
None of these

N/A
Did you have a preceptor assigned to you during this
residency or transition-to-practice program?

In my primary nursing position, my employer enables me to practice
to the full extent of my state’s legal scope of practice. Answer only
about the year 2025.
In my primary nursing position, my state’s scope of practice laws
allow me to practice to the full extent of my education and training.
Answer only about the year 2025.
Other
Other Hospital Setting
Other Inpatient Setting
Other Non-Patient Care Setting
Other Outpatient, Ambulatory, or Other Clinical Setting

For the license required in my primary nursing position, I
could practice to the full extent of my state’s legal scope of
practice. Answer only about the year 2021.
In my primary nursing position, I was able to practice to the
full extent of my nursing education and training. Answer only
about the year 2021.
Other, specify:
Hospital Other, Specify:
Other Inpatient Setting, Specify:
Other, Specify:
Other, Specify:

N/A (formerly
C15)
N/A

N/A

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31,
2021, how many MONTHS did you work in 2021? Include paid
vacation, paid sick leave, and military service, and include
months where you only worked for a few hours.
Months worked in 2021

NSSRN

NSSRN

NSSRN

Question wording

Question wording and
response options

Question wording and
response options

Updated question wording

Updating the question wording, instructional text
and additional sub-questions

Updating the question wording, instructional text
and additional sub-questions

C16

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31, 2025,
how many hours were you SCHEDULED to work in a typical week in
2025? Exclude additional, unscheduled hours worked. You will be
asked about actual hours worked in question C17.
Hours

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31,
2021, how many hours were you SCHEDULED to work in a
typical week in 2021?
Hours scheduled per week

C17

Next, we will ask for information about how much you WORKED in a
typical week in 2025 for the primary nursing position you held on
December 31, 2025. Standby hours are a period of time when a
nurse is not actively working but must remain available to come in
and work immediately, if needed.
a. How many hours did you work in a typical week in 2025? Include
unpaid hours and hours paid at the base, overtime, and differential
rates. Include on-call hours EXCEPT on-call hours that were standby
only.
Hours
(enter 0 if none)
Of the hours you reported above, how many of these hours were b. Worked at the base pay rate?
c. Worked at the overtime pay rate?
d. Worked at a differential pay rate?
e. Unpaid?
f. During a typical week in 2025, how many of your work hours were
on-call hours? Do not include standby hours.

Next, we will ask for information about how much you
WORKED in a typical week in 2021 for the primary nursing
position you held on December 31, 2021.
a. How many hours did you work in a typical week in 2021?
Include unpaid hours and hours paid at the base, overtime,
and differential rates. Include on-call hours except on-call
hours that were standby only.
Of the hours you reported above, how many of these hours
were b. Worked at the overtime pay rate?
c. Unpaid?

C18

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31, 2025,
please estimate the percentage of your time/effort spent in the
following activities during a typical workweek. Do not use decimals.
Percentages should add to 100%.
a. Clinical Activities (including patient care, charting, care
coordination) %
b. Management and Administration Activities (including supervising
and scheduling) %
c. Educational Activities (including teaching, precepting, and
continuing education) %
d. Research Activities %
e. All Other Activities %
Total

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31,
2021, please estimate the percentage of your time spent in
the following activities during a typical workweek. Do not use
decimals.
a. Patient care and charting
b. Care coordination (including consultation with agencies
and/or professionals)
c. Management, supervision, and administrative tasks
d. Research
e. Teaching, precepting, or orienting students or new hires
(include preparation time)
f. Non-nursing tasks (e.g., housekeeping, locating supplies)
g. Other

NSSRN

NSSRN

Response option

New question

Removal of writein field

Addition of a new question

C22

Other

Other, specify:

C25

Did you provide primary care services in the nursing position you
held on December 31, 2025? Answer only about 2025. Primary care
is care provided at a basic rather than specialized level for people
making an initial approach to a doctor or nurse for treatment or
diagnosis. Primary care may also include follow-up visits.
Yes, primary care was my main job function
Yes, but primary care was not my main job function
No
N/A
For the primary nursing position you held on December 31, 2025,
what were your primary and secondary clinical specialties?
Primary Specialty Mark (X) ONE box only.
General medical surgical Cardiac or cardiovascular care Chronic
care
Community or public health Critical care or intensive care
Emergency or trauma care
Gastrointestinal Geriatrics or gerontology Home health
Hospice or palliative care Infectious or communicable disease
Informatics
Labor and delivery Neonatal care Neurological
Obstetrics and gynecology Occupational health Oncology
Orthopedics Primary care Psychiatric or mental health
Pulmonary or respiratory Rehabilitation Renal or dialysis
Pediatrics School health service (K-12 or post-secondary)
Substance use disorder
Specialty care (e.g., dermatology, endocrinology, ophthalmology,
otolaryngology)
Surgery, pre-op, post-op, PACU, or anesthesia Other specialty,
Specify:

NSSRN

Question wording and
response options

Changing of the question wording and unfolding
into primary and secondary specialties. Response
option updates.
C28

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C33

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C34

Thinking of the primary nursing position you held on
December 31, 2021, to what extent did you... Answer only
about 2021. Mark (X) ONE box only for each row.
A great extent Somewhat Very little Not at all
a. Participate in evidence-based care (evidence-based care is
care that utilizes best practices and clinical decisions
supported by scientific research and clinical expertise)
b. Participate in patient-centered care (care that is
responsive to patient preferences, needs and values, and
ensures that patient values guide clinical decisions)
c. Participate in team-based care (comprehensive health
services by at least two health professionals working
collaboratively to provide safe, quality care)
d. Participate in value-based care (care that improves health
outcomes relative to the cost of care)
e. Participate in population-based health care (care that
focuses on the health status and needs of a target population
possessing similar health concerns or characteristics)
f. Care for medically complex/special needs patients
g. Care for patients with mental health conditions
h. Care for patients with substance use disorders
i. Work on quality improvement measures or procedures

Secondary Specialty Mark (X) ONE box only.
No Secondary Specialty General medical surgical Cardiac or
cardiovascular care
Chronic care Community or public health Critical care or intensive
care
Emergency or trauma care Gastrointestinal Geriatrics or gerontology
Have you ever precepted any RN or APRN STUDENTS?
Yes
No
N/A
Did you precept any RN or APRN STUDENTS in 2025? Mark (X) ALL
that apply.
Yes, I precepted RN students
Yes, I precepted NP students
Yes, I precepted other APRN students
No. SKIP to Question C39
N/A

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C35

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C36

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C37

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

In 2025, how many STUDENTS did you precept? Enter zero if none.
Your best estimate is fine.
RN students
NP students
Other APRN students

N/A

In 2025, how many hours did you spend precepting STUDENTS to
meet their clinical requirements? Your best estimate is fine.
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
N/A
Did you hold the same primary nursing position from January 1, 2020
through December 31, 2021?
Yes
No
N/A
Thinking about the primary nursing position you held on
December 31, 2021, which of the following best describes
your feelings of burnout during the coronavirus pandemic?
Mark (X) ONE box only.
They increased during the coronavirus pandemic
They decreased during the coronavirus pandemic
They did not change during the coronavirus pandemic

N/A (formerly
C39)
N/A
How satisfied were you with the following aspects of the primary
nursing position you held on December 31, 2025? Mark (X) ONE box
only for each row.
a. Workplace safety?
b. Your immediate supervisor?
c. Your senior management?
d. Opportunities for advancement?
e. Job security?
Extremely Satisfied
Moderately Satisfied
Moderately Dissatisfied
C42
Extremely Dissatisfied
N/A

C46

Thinking about the primary nursing position you held on December
31, 2025, did you ever feel burned-out DURING 2025?
Yes
No

N/A

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C47

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C48

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C49

NSSRN

Question wording and
response options

Updated the question wording and responses to
remove reference to pandemic similar to the
former C39

C50

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following
statements about the primary nursing position you held on
December 31, 2025? Mark (X) ONE box only for each row.
a. I enjoy my work, but occasionally feel overwhelmed
b. I feel stressed quite often, but can manage it
c. I am exhausted and frequently feel burnout and frustration at work
d. I feel completely burnt out and often feel like I can’t go on
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
How often did you feel burned-out in your primary nursing position in
2025?
A few times a year or less
A few times a month
A few times a week
Every day
Which of the following reasons contributed to your feelings of
burnout in your primary nursing position during 2025? Mark (X) ALL
that apply.
Inadequate staffing
Lack of resources needed to do my job
Poor management and/or communication
Lack of autonomy or empowerment to make decisions
Number of patients
Long hours
Lack of lunch time, break time, etc.
Too many administrative tasks
Inadequate training
Shifting responsibilities or changing roles
Personal or family commitments outside of work
Other, Specify
Thinking about the primary nursing position you held on December
31, 2025, which of the following best describes your feelings of
burnout during 2025, compared to 2024?
I felt more burned-out in 2025
I felt less burned-out in 2025
I felt the same amount of burnout

C51

Did you experience physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or
other threatening behavior in your primary nursing position in 2025?
Yes
No. SKIP to Question C53
Prefer not to answer. SKIP to Question C53
N/A

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

NSSRN
NSSRN

New question
Response option

Addition of a new question
Removal of writein field

NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN

Question wording and
response options
Response option
Response option

Updates to the question wording and response
options
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field

NSSRN

Response option

Adding a sub-question to the Yes response option F1

NSSRN

Question wording and
response options

Updates to the question wording and response
options

C52
D1

E2
E6
E7

G3

Who committed the physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or
other threatening behavior? Mark (X) ALL that apply.
A co-worker
My supervisor
Other employee of the organization I work for
A patient
A family member of a patient
A relative or acquaintance of mine
Someone else from outside the organization I work for
Other
DURING THE PAST YEAR, how often have you considered leaving this
position?
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Other
Other
How many OTHER positions?
Under which NPI number(s) have you or your company billed for
your work? Mark (X) ALL that apply.
My own NPI number
Another provider’s NPI number
An organizational NPI number
None of these
I don’t know

NSSRN

Question wording and
response options

NSSRN

Question moved and
changed wording

G4
C33
Question wording changed to be more specific and (previously
moved question to Section C
G6)

NSSRN

Question moved and
changed wording

Question and response option wording was
changed to be more specific

C35
(formerly
G8a)

Indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: My
education prepared me to provide care and services without
supervision from a physician or other health care provider.
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Have you ever precepted any RN or APRN STUDENTS?
Yes
No. SKIP to Question C39
In 2025, how many STUDENTS did you precept? Enter zero if none.
Your best estimate is fine.
RN students
NP students
Other APRN students

NSSRN

Question moved and
changed wording

Question and response option wording was
changed to be more specific

C36
(formerly
G8b)

In 2025, how many hours did you spend precepting STUDENTS to
meet their clinical requirements? Your best estimate is fine.
Hours

Changed the question and response options to
different related topic

N/A
Other, specify:

Have you considered leaving this position in the past year?
Yes
No
Other, specify:
Other, specify:
N/A

Do you or have you ever billed under your NPI number?
Yes
No
Don’t know
To what extent did your education prepare you to be a
Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP)? An LIP is permitted
to provide care and services without supervision from a
physician.
I do not practice independently
A great extent
Somewhat
Very little
Not at all
Have you ever precepted any NP students?
Yes
No ➔ SKIP to Question G11

In 2021, how many NP students did you precept? If you did
not precept NP students in 2021, enter 0 and SKIP to
Question G11.
In 2021, how many hours of YOUR TIME did you spend
precepting students to meet their clinical requirements?
Hours

NSSRN

NSSRN

Question moved and
changed wording

Question moved and
changed wording

Question wording changed to be more specific and C37
Did you receive any remuneration (e.g. money, tuition reduction,
moved question to Section C
(formerly G9) free CEs, etc.) to precept RN or APRN STUDENTS in 2025?

C38
Response option changed and moved question to (formerly
Section C
G10)

Which of the following types of remuneration did you receive from
precepting STUDENTS in 2025? Mark (X) ALL that apply.
Money
Tuition reduction
Free CEs
Library access
Other

Did you receive any remuneration (e.g. money, tuition
reduction, free CEs, etc.) to precept NP students in 2021?
Which of the following types of remuneration did you receive
from precepting students in 2021? Mark (X) ALL that apply.
Money
How much money did you receive in 2021?
Tuition reduction
Free CEs
Other, Specify:

NSSRN

Question wording

Updated question wording

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

Were you working as a Nurse Practitioner on December 31, 2025?
G6 (formerly Yes
G11)
No
Do you have a collaborative/supervisory agreement with a
physician?
Yes
G10
No

Addition of a new question

Please select the reason that you have a collaborative/supervisory
agreement. Mark (X) ALL that apply.
It is a state legal requirement
My employer/institution requires it for employment
Insurance companies require it for reimbursement
Personal choice/informal agreement
Other, Specify:

N/A

N/A

In 2021, was a physician required to SIGN OFF ON ANY of the
patients you saw in your primary NP position?
Yes
No

NSSRN

NSSRN

New question

Remove question

Removal of question

G11

G15a

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

G15b

N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

G16a

N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

G16b

N/A

On December 31, 2021, were you employed in an NP position
that required state certification, licensure, or recognition?

N/A

In 2021, was a physician required to SIGN OFF ON ALL of the
patients you saw in your primary NP position?
Yes
No
In 2021, was a physician required to SEE ANY of the patients
you saw in your primary NP position?
Yes
No
In 2021, was a physician required to SEE ALL of the patients
you saw in your primary NP position?
Yes
No

NSSRN

Question wording

Addition of instructional text

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

NSSRN

Response option

Changing and reordering the response options.
Removing the writein field.

NSSRN
NSSRN

Response option
Response option

Removing a SKIP
Removal of writein field

NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN

New question
Response option
Response option
Response option
Response option
Response option
Response option

Addition of a new question
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field
Removal of writein field

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

Did you have FULL prescriptive authority on December 31, 2025?
Full prescriptive authority means you were authorized to initiate and
prescribe medications, including Schedule II-V controlled
substances, without the requirement for a collaboration,
supervision or delegation agreement with a physician or other health
care provider, and you were regulated exclusively under the Board of Did you have FULL prescriptive authority on December 31,
G21
Nursing.
2021?
Did you have an x-waiver on December 31, 2021? An x-waiver
(Formerly
allows outpatient use of buprenorphine to treat opioid use
G27)
N/A
disorder.
Why didn’t you have FULL prescriptive authority?
Why didn’t you have FULL prescriptive authority?
Mark (X) ALL that apply.
Mark (X) ALL that apply.
Was in the process of applying
Was in the process of applying
State scope of practice regulations
MD or other NP wrote all of my prescriptions
G22
Employer or MD imposed limitations
State scope of practice regulations
(formerly
Not required
Not required
G28)
Other
Other, Specify:
On December 31, 2025 did you have a personal Drug Enforcement On December 31, 2021 did you have a personal Drug
Administration (DEA) number?
Enforcement Administration (DEA) number?
Yes
Yes ➔ SKIP to Section I on page 26
G23
NO. SKIP to Section I on page 29
No ➔ SKIP to Section I on page 26
G25
Other
Other, specify:
Did you prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD)
during 2025?
Yes
G24
No
N/A
H1
Other
Other, specify:
I8
Other
Other, specify:
I9
Other Hospital Setting
Hospital Other, Specify:
I9
Other Inpatient Setting
Other Inpatient Setting, Specify:
I9
Other Non-Patient Care Setting
Other, Specify:
I9
Other Outpatient, Ambulatory, or Other Clinical Setting
Other, Specify:
Were you employed in nursing at any time between March 1,
J1 (formerly) N/A
2020 and December 31, 2021?

N/A

Between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021, which of the
following did you experience DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS
PANDEMIC? Mark (X) ALL that apply.
At any time between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021,
did you decide to leave work in nursing DUE TO THE
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?
Which of the following reasons contributed to why you left
work in nursing between March 1, 2020 and December 31,
2021? Mark (X) ALL that apply.

N/A

Did you intend to return to work in nursing?

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J2 (formerly) N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J3a
(formerly)

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J3b
(formerly)
J3c
(formerly)

N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J4 (formerly) N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J5 (formerly) N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J6 (formerly) N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J7 (formerly) N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J8 (formerly) N/A
J9a
(formerly)
N/A
J9b
(formerly)
N/A

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

J10
(formerly)

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

J9

N/A
Have you ever served on a peer review panel as a clinically
practicing nurse or advanced practice registered nurse?
Yes
No. SKIP to Section K
Don’t know. SKIP to Section K

J10

For which types of health care professionals have you served as a
peer review panelist? Mark (X) Yes or No for EACH item.
a. Nurse Practitioners
b. Clinical Nurse Specialists
c. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
d. Nurse Midwives
e. Registered Nurses
f. Nurse Aides or Nursing Assistants
g. Practical or Vocational Nurses
h. Physicians
i. Physician Assistants
j. Other

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

How often did you feel burned-out by your work in nursing in
2019, 2020, and 2021?
2019
2020
2021
Did not work in nursing
Never
A few times a year or less
A few times a month
A few times a week
Every day
At any point in 2020 or 2021, were you required to receive a
COVID-19 test to conduct your work in nursing? If you were
only required to receive a test to return to work after being
infected with COVID-19, mark No.
As of December 31, 2021, had you ever been tested for
COVID-19? Do not include antibody tests.
Have you ever tested positive for COVID-19 or had a health
care provider tell you that you had COVID-19? Include
antibody tests.
As of December 31, 2021, had you ever been hospitalized due
to COVID-19?
As of December 31, 2021, had you received at least one dose
of a COVID-19 vaccine?
When did you receive your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?
At any point in 2020 or 2021, were you required to have
received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to conduct
your work in nursing?

N/A

N/A

Addition of a new question

K2a (formerly Did you live at the same address on December 31, 2024 and
part of L2)
December 31, 2025?
Where were you born?
In the United States
In a U.S. territory
K5
In a foreign country

N/A

Updated question wording

K9 (formerly
L8)
What is your current marital status?

What is your marital status?

Additional response options added

Including employment earnings, investment earnings, and other
income of all household members, what was your 2025, pre-tax
annual total household income? Mark (X) ONE box only.
$25,000 or less
$25,001 to $35,000
$35,001 to $50,000
$50,001 to $75,000
$75,001 to $100,000
$100,001 to $150,000
$150,001 to $200,000
$200,001 to $300,000
K12 (formerly $300,001 to $400,000
L11)
More than $400,000

NSSRN

New question

New question split off from prior response option

NSSRN

New question

NSSRN

Question wording

NSSRN

NSSRN

NSSRN

Response option

Response option

Response option

Updated response options

Updated response option wording to obtain
City/Town

A9c

B4

Which of the following CNS certifications did you have from a
NATIONAL CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION? Mark (X) ALL that apply.
Adult-Gerontology (ACCNS-AG, AGCNS-BC)
Pediatric (ACCNS-P, PCNS-BC, CCNS)
Neonatal (ACCNS-N, CCNS)
Adult (ACNS-BC, CCNS)
Gerontological (GCNS-BC)
Psychiatric-Mental Health – Adult (PMHCNS-BC)
Psychiatric-Mental Health – Child/Adolescent (PMHCNS-BC)
Public/Community Health (PHCNS-BC)
Other
Where was this program located? If the program was 100% online,
report the college or university location.
In the U.S.
City/Town
State abbreviation

N/A

Including employment earnings, investment earnings, and
other income of all household members, what was your 2021,
pre-tax annual total household income? Mark (X) ONE box
only.
$25,000 or less
$25,001 to $35,000
$35,001 to $50,000
$50,001 to $75,000
$75,001 to $100,000
$100,001 to $150,000
$150,001 to $200,000
More than $200,000
Which of the following CNS certifications did you have from a
NATIONAL CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION? Mark (X) ALL that
apply.
Diabetes Management
Gerontological
Home Health
Acute Care or Critical Care
Adult Health
Community Health or Public Health
Psychiatric-Mental Health - Child or Adolescent
Psychiatric-Mental Health - Family
Other, Specify:
Oncology
Pediatric
Psychiatric-Mental Health - Adult
Hospice and Palliative Care
Medical-Surgical
Where was this program located? If the program was 100%
online, report the college or university location.
In the U.S.
Print state abbreviation:

NSSRN

Response option

Updated response options

B7

NSSRN

Question wording

Removed the 5th Nursing Degree option

B8a-f

NSSRN
NSSRN

Response option
Response option

Updated response option wording to obtain
City/Town
Additional response option added

B8c
B8f

NSSRN
NSSRN

Response option
Response option

Additional response options added
Additional response option added

B10d
B11d

Were you ever employed in any of the following health-related jobs
before completing your first RN degree? Mark (X) Yes or No for EACH
item.
a. Nurse aide or nursing assistant
b. Home health aide or assistant
c. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse
d. Counselor, social worker or behavioral health specialist
e. Community health worker
f. Midwife
g. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic
h. Medical assistant
i. Dental assistant
j. Laboratory technologist or technician or phlebotomist
k. All other health technologists and technicians
l. Nurse intern, extern or apprentice
m. Manager in health care setting
n. Clerk in health care setting
o. Other health-related job
N/A
In the U.S.
City/Town
State abbr.
Informatics
Health Policy
Other Policy
Post-Doctoral Certificate

Were you ever employed in any of the following health-related
jobs before completing your first RN degree? Mark (X) Yes or
No for EACH item.
a. Nursing aide or nursing assistant
b. Home health aide or assistant
c. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse
d. Community health worker
e. Midwife
f. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic
g. Medical assistant
h. Dental assistant
i. All other health technologists and technicians
j. Manager in health care setting
k. Clerk in health care setting
l. Other health-related job, Specify:
Fifth Nursing
Degree or Certificate
In the U.S. Print
state abbreviation
N/A
N/A
N/A

NSSRN

NSSRN

Response option

Response option

Updated response options

Updated response options

C11

Staff nurse or direct care nurse
Patient educator
Charge nurse or team leader
Clinical Nurse Educator, staff educator, professional practice
specialist, or instructor in clinical setting
Front-line management (Nurse Manager, Unit or Department
Supervisor)
Academic educator, faculty member, professor, or instructor in a
school of nursing
Middle management or administration (director, house supervisor,
associate dean, department head)
Patient care coordinator, case manager, discharge planner, or nurse
navigator
Senior management or administration (CEO, vice president, CNO,
CNE, dean)
Quality improvement nurse or utilization review nurse
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Infection control nurse
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Advice or triage nurse
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Informatics nurse
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Forensics or crisis nurse
Wound or ostomy nurse
Transport, EMS, or Flight Nurse
School nurse
Nutrition nurse

Staff nurse or direct care nurse
Charge nurse or team leader
Front-line management (Nurse Manager, Unit or Department
Supervisor)
Middle management or administration (director, house
supervisor, associate dean, department head)
Senior management or administration (CEO, vice president,
CNO, CNE, dean)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Wound or ostomy nurse
School nurse or occupational health nurse
Public health nurse
Home health nurse
Community health nurse
Patient educator
Staff educator, professional practice specialist, or instructor
in clinical setting
Academic educator, professor, or instructor in a school of
nursing
Patient care coordinator, case manager, discharge planner,
or nurse navigator
Quality improvement nurse or utilization review nurse
Infection control nurse
Advice or triage nurse
Informatics nurse
Forensics or crisis nurse
Other, Specify: C

C12 - HOSP

Critical Access Hospital (CAH) – a rural community hospital that
receives cost-based reimbursement from Medicare
Hospital Inpatient Department or Unit, not Critical Access Hospital
Hospital Emergency Department or Transport, not Critical Access
Hospital
Hospital-Sponsored Ambulatory or Outpatient Clinic or Center
(Clinic, Specialty, Surgery, etc.) (Non-ED)
Hospital-Sponsored Urgent Care
Hospital Administration, Education, Quality, etc.
Hospital Nursing Home Unit
Hospital Ancillary Unit (Radiology, Lab, GI lab, Consult Services,
etc.)
Other Hospital Setting

Hospital Inpatient Department or Unit
Hospital Emergency Department or Transport
Hospital-Sponsored Ambulatory or Outpatient Clinic or
Center (Clinic, Specialty, Surgery, etc.) (Non-ED)
Hospital-Sponsored Urgent Care
Hospital Administration, Education, Quality, etc.
Hospital Nursing Home Unit
Hospital Ancillary Unit (Radiology, Lab, GI lab, Consult
Services, etc.)
Hospital, Other, Specify:

NSSRN

NSSRN

Response option

Response option

Updated response options

Updated response options

C12 NONPAT

C19

Public Health or Community Health Agency (including Public Health
Departments)
Local, State, or Federal Government Agency (excluding Public
Health Departments)
University or College Academic Department
Insurance Company
Call Center, Telenursing Center, or Remote Nursing
Regulatory Agency or Organization
Consulting Agency or Organization
Professional Organization
Other Non-Patient Care Setting
General or specialty inpatient Primary care (including inpatient and
outpatient settings)
Maternal care
Other ambulatory care (not including surgical)
Ancillary care (radiology, laboratory)
Care coordination or patient navigation
Critical or intensive care
Education
Emergency
Health care management or administration
Home health
Hospice
Informatics
Long-term care or nursing home
Public health or community health
Rehabilitation
Research
School nurse
Step-down, transitional, progressive, telemetry
Sub-acute care
Surgery (including ambulatory, pre-operative, post-operative, postanesthesia)
Urgent care
Other

Public Health or Community Health Agency
Local, State, or Federal Government Agency
University or College Academic Department
Insurance Company
Call Center, Telenursing Center, or Remote Nursing
Regulatory Agency or Organization
Consulting Agency or Organization
Professional Organization
Other, Specify:

General or specialty inpatient
Care coordination/patient navigation
Critical/intensive care
Step-down, transitional, progressive, telemetry
Sub-acute care
Informatics
Emergency
Urgent care
Rehabilitation
Long-term care/nursing home
Surgery (including ambulatory, pre-operative, post-operative,
post-anesthesia)
Ambulatory care (including primary care outpatient settings,
except surgical)
Ancillary care (radiology, laboratory)
Home health/hospice
Public health/community health
Education
Research
Other, Specify: C
Health care management/administration
School nurse

NSSRN
NSSRN

New question
New question

Addition of a new question into the grid
Addition of a new question into the grid

C29
C31/C32

NSSRN
NSSRN

New question
Response option

Addition of a new question
Additional response option added

C42
E7

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

F3

a. Participate in evidence-based care (evidence-based care is care
that utilizes best practices and clinical decisions supported by
scientific research and clinical expertise)
b. Participate in patient-centered care (care that is responsive to
patient preferences, needs and values, and ensures that patient
values guide clinical decisions)
c. Participate in team-based care (comprehensive health services by
at least two health professionals working collaboratively to provide
safe, quality care)
d. Participate in value-based care (care that improves health
outcomes relative to the cost of care)
e. Participate in population-based health care (care that focuses on
the health status and needs of a target population possessing
similar health concerns or characteristics)
f. Care for patients from tribal communities
g. Care for patients from rural communities
h. Care for medically complex/special needs patients
i. Care for patients with pain management needs
j. Care for patients with mental health conditions
k. Care for patients with substance use disorders
l. Work on quality improvement measures or procedures
m. Provide guidance to patients on nutrition and other healthy
behaviors
i. Caring for patients with pain management needs
How satisfied were you with the following aspects of the primary
nursing position you held on December 31, 2025? Mark (X) ONE box
only for each row.
a. Workplace safety?
b. Your immediate supervisor?
c. Your senior management?
d. Opportunities for advancement?
e. Job security?
Extremely Satisfied
Moderately Satisfied
Moderately Dissatisfied
Extremely Dissatisfied
Remote work opportunities
Did you provide primary care services in any of the other nursing
positions you held on December 31, 2025?
Yes, primary care was my main job function
Yes, but primary care was not my main job function
No

a. Participate in evidence-based care (evidence-based care is
care that utilizes best practices and clinical decisions
supported by scientific research and clinical expertise)
b. Participate in patient-centered care (care that is
responsive to patient preferences, needs and values, and
ensures that patient values guide clinical decisions)
c. Participate in team-based care (comprehensive health
services by at least two health professionals working
collaboratively to provide safe, quality care)
d. Participate in value-based care (care that improves health
outcomes relative to the cost of care)
e. Participate in population-based health care (care that
focuses on the health status and needs of a target population
possessing similar health concerns or characteristics)
f. Care for medically complex/special needs patients
g. Care for patients with mental health conditions
h. Care for patients with substance use disorders
i. Work on quality improvement measures or procedures
N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A

NSSRN

NSSRN

Response option

Response option

Updated response options

Updated response options

I9 HOSP

I9 NONPAT

NSSRN
NSSRN

Response option
Response option

Updated response options
Updated response option

K8
B8d

NSSRN

Question wording

Addition of instructional text

B10b

Critical Access Hospital (CAH) – a rural community hospital that
receives cost-based reimbursement from Medicare
Hospital Inpatient Department or Unit, not Critical Access Hospital
Hospital Emergency Department or Transport, not Critical Access
Hospital
Hospital-Sponsored Ambulatory or Outpatient Clinic or Center
(Clinic, Specialty, Surgery, etc.) (Non-ED)
Hospital-Sponsored Urgent Care
Hospital Administration, Education, Quality, etc.
Hospital Nursing Home Unit
Hospital Ancillary Unit (Radiology, Lab, GI lab, Consult Services,
etc.)
Other Hospital Setting
Public Health or Community Health Agency (including Public Health
Departments)
Local, State, or Federal Government Agency (excluding Public
Health Departments)
University or College Academic Department
Insurance Company
Call Center, Telenursing Center, or Remote Nursing
Regulatory Agency or Organization
Consulting Agency or Organization
Professional Organization
Other Non-Patient Care Setting
No additional languages
Spanish
Filipino language (Tagalog, other Filipino dialect)
Chinese language (Cantonese, Mandarin, other Chinese language)
French
German
Russian
Korean
Vietnamese
American Sign Language
Other language(s), Specify:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
As of December 31, 2025, what was the HIGHEST non-nursing
degree you received? Mark (X) ONE box only.

Hospital Inpatient Department or Unit
Hospital Emergency Department or Transport
Hospital-Sponsored Ambulatory or Outpatient Clinic or
Center (Clinic, Specialty, Surgery, etc.) (Non-ED)
Hospital-Sponsored Urgent Care
Hospital Administration, Education, Quality, etc.
Hospital Nursing Home Unit
Hospital Ancillary Unit (Radiology, Lab, GI lab, Consult
Services, etc.)
Hospital, Other, Specify:

Public Health or Community Health Agency
Local, State, or Federal Government Agency
University or College Academic Department
Insurance Company
Call Center, Telenursing Center, or Remote Nursing
Regulatory Agency or Organization
Consulting Agency or Organization
Professional Organization
Other, Specify:

No additional languages
Spanish
Filipino language (Tagalog, other Filipino dialect)
Chinese language (Cantonese, Mandarin, other Chinese
language)
Russian
Korean
Vietnamese
American Sign Language
Nurse Anesthetist
As of December 31, 2021, what was the HIGHEST non-nursing
degree you received?

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31, 2025, in
what levels of care or types of work did you spend your time? Mark
(X) ALL that apply.
General or specialty inpatient
Primary care (including inpatient and outpatient settings)
Maternal care
Other ambulatory care (not including surgical)
Ancillary care (radiology, laboratory)
Care coordination or patient navigation
Critical or intensive care
Education
Emergency
Health care management or administration
Home health
Hospice
Informatics
Long-term care or nursing home
Public health or community health
Rehabilitation
Research
School nurse
Step-down, transitional, progressive, telemetry
Sub-acute care
Surgery (including ambulatory, pre-operative, post-operative, postanesthesia)
Urgent care
Other
What type of work setting best describes where you worked for the
other position(s) held on December 31, 2025? Answer only about the
year 2025. If you have more than one additional position, answer
about the position where you spend the most time. Mark (X) ONE box
only.

NSSRN

Question wording and
response options

Changed some grammar within the question and
made cosmetic changes to response options.
Removed writein field.

NSSRN

Question wording

Addition of instructional text

NSSRN

Question wording

Removal of the instructional text

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31,
2021, in what level of care or type of work did you spend most
of your time? Mark (X) ONE box only.
General or specialty inpatient
Ambulatory care (including primary care outpatient settings,
except surgical)
Ancillary care (radiology, laboratory)
Care coordination/patient navigation
Critical/intensive care
Step-down, transitional, progressive, telemetry
Sub-acute care
Informatics
Education
Emergency
Health care management/administration
Urgent care
Rehabilitation
Long-term care/nursing home
Surgery (including ambulatory, pre-operative, post-operative,
post-anesthesia)
Home health/hospice
Public health/community health
Research
School nurse
C19
Other, Specify
What type of work setting best describes where you worked
for the other position(s) held on December 31, 2021. Answer
only about the year 2021. If you have more than one
additional position, answer about the position where you
F5
spend the most time.
In any of the NP position(s) you held on December 31, 2021,
G7 (formerly In any of the NP position(s) you held on December 31, 2025, did you did you provide patient care? Answer only about the year
G12)
provide patient care?
2021.

NSSRN

Response option

Removal of one of the response options

I8

N/A

Underlying health condition(s) that may increase risk of
severe illness due to Coronavirus (self or family)

NSSRN

Question wording and
response options

NSSRN

The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) collects reports on
adverse actions taken against a physician that affect that
physician’s clinical privileges. Many nurse practitioners and other
health care professionals perform job functions similar to
physicians or that impact patients. Should it be mandatory that the
NPDB collect reports on adverse actions against the following
providers that could affect their clinical privileges? Mark (X) Yes or
No for EACH provider type.
a. Nurse Practitioners
b. Clinical Nurse Specialists
c. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
d. Nurse Midwives
e. Other APRNs
f. Physician Assistants
g. Mental Health Professionals
h. Other Health Care Practitioners

J1 (formerly
K1)

Response option

Changed the question and response options to
different related topic
Updating the response option to include Specify
before the writein field.

NSSRN
NSSRN

Question wording
Question wording

Addition of instructional text
Updated instructional text

K6
K7

NSSRN

New question

Addition of a new question

C9b

Yes, other, Specify:
Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin? Mark (X) ALL that
apply.
What is your race? Mark (X) ALL that apply.
What factors contributed to your decision to become a travel nurse?
Mark (X) ALL that apply.
Better pay
Flexibility
Travel opportunities
Opportunity to build my network
Learn new skills or develop my career
Opportunity to serve different populations
Other, Specify:

C19
(formerly
C20)
A12
B4

For the primary nursing position you held on December 31, 2025, in
what levels of care or types of work did you spend your time? Mark
(X) ALL that apply.
Nutrition (CNSC, etc.)
State abbreviation

NSSRN
NSSRN
NSSRN

Question wording
Response option
Question wording

Changed wording and instructional text
Additional response option added
Updated instructional text

NSSRN

Form name change

Changing the FORM name

NSSRN

Question wording

Updated instructional text

J4

The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), is a nationwide
repository of negative actions taken against health care
professionals. Its primary function is to aid employers in
making well-informed hiring decisions. Currently, certain
entities are required to query the NPDB on physicians and
dentists, prior to making decisions on hiring and clinical
privileges. Do you think the query requirement should be
expanded to other health care professions?
Yes, it should be expanded to all health care professions
Yes, it should be expanded to some but not all health care
professions
No, it should not be expanded
I am unfamiliar with the National
Practitioner Data Bank ➔ SKIP to Section L on page 31
Yes, other
Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
What is your race? Mark (X) one or more boxes.

N/A
For the primary nursing position you held on December 31,
2021, in what level of care or type of work did you spend most
of your time? Mark (X) ONE box only.
N/A
Print state abbreviation

Survey-wide NSSRN-1
Form NSSRN
Across all of the other nursing positions you held on December 31, Across all of the other nursing positions you held on
2025, how many weeks did you work in 2025? Enter a number from 1- December 31, 2021, on average how many hours per week
52. Do not include weeks where you only worked in your primary
did you work in 2021? Do not include hours worked in your
F6
nursing position.
primary nursing position.

NSSRN

Survey information

Added survey mailing information and privacy
statement to back page

NSSRN

Remove question

Removal of question

Thank you for your participation.
Please return this survey in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope.
If the envelope has been misplaced, please mail the questionnaire
to:
U.S. Census Bureau
ATTN: DCB 60-A
1201 E. 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
The Census Bureau is required by law to protect your information.
We are not permitted to publicly release your responses in a way
that could identify you or your household. The Census Bureau is
conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, United States
Code (U.S.C.), Section 8(b) (13 U.S.C. § 8(b)) and the Public Health
Service Act, Title 42, U.S.C., Section 294n(b)(2)(A) and Title 42,
U.S.C., Section 295k(a)-(b). Federal law protects your privacy and
keeps your answers confidential under Title 13, U.S.C., Section 9 (13
U.S.C. § 9). Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015,
your data are protected from cybersecurity risks through screening
of the systems that transmit your data. As permitted under the
Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a) and SORN
COMMERCE/CENSUS-3, Demographic Survey Collection (Census
Bureau Sampling Frame), access to records maintained in the
system is restricted to Census Bureau employees and certain
individuals authorized by Title 13, U.S. Code (designated as Special
Sworn Status individuals). These individuals are subject to the same
confidentiality requirements as regular Census Bureau employees Thank you for your participation.
identified above. Participation in this survey is
Please return this survey in the enclosed, postage-paid
Backpage
voluntary and there are no penalties for refusing to answer
envelope.
When did you precept the NP student(s)? Mark (X) ALL that
apply.
N/A (formerly
Prior to March 2020
G7)
N/A
During or after March 2020