The characteristics, education, employment patterns, salaries, job satisfaction, and other characteristics of registered nurses (RNs) across the United States were examined in a national survey. Of the initial sample of approximately 54,000 of the nation's more than 3,066,000 licensed RNs, 35,579 RNs (72%) submitted usable responses. From 1980 to 2000, the RN population increased by more than 1 million with 1996-2000 marking the slowest growth in the RN population during the 20-year period. The percentage of nurses receiving their basic education in diploma programs decreased from 60% to 30%, with the percentage completing associate degree programs increasing from 19% to 40%. Hospitals remained the major employer of nurses although the number of nurses employed in other sectors--especially public and community health, ambulatory care, and other noninstitutional settings--increased. In 1980-2000, full- time RNs actual annual salaries increased from $17,398 to $46,782, whereas their real salaries increased from $17,398 to $23,103. Across the entire sample, just two-thirds of the RNs reported being satisfied with their current position. (Chapter 1 presents information about early RN studies, development of the present study's methodology, the sample of RNs for the present study, and 15 references. Appendixes constituting approximately 80% of the document contain 48 tables, a description of the survey methodology, and the survey questionnaire.) (MN)