Nurses4All

Generating evidence on nursing to shape policy and improve outcomes for all.

About the Project

Nurses4All, a project initiated by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, is the most extensive and long-standing survey focused on nurses and their working conditions. The initiative, funded by the National Institutes of Health, has produced compelling evidence emphasizing the importance of adequate staffing and favorable work environments for nurses. The insights gathered also serve as valuable resources for building a practical business case to advocate for increased investments in nursing.

About the Study

In 2023 and 2025-26, we’ll replicate surveys conducted in 1999, 2006, 2016, 2020, and 2021 in ten states - California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington - representing 40%+ of national nurses. 

This study explores how changes in nursing resources (environment, staffing, education) influence patient outcomes across settings (hospitals, clinics, schools). By assessing nurse and patient data, we’ll gauge nursing’s impact on outcomes over time. Insights will guide transformative interventions for equity, nurse well-being, and patient results.

For Participants

Thank you for your involvement in the Nurses4All study. Your contributions have been vital to the success in advancing scientific knowledge and nursing workforce improvements. Please access the Nurses4All FAQs for more information.

Our Impact

CHOPR’s efforts have initiated policy shifts benefiting nurses and enhancing patient care and outcomes nationwide and globally. Explore the impact areas below to delve into the diverse ways our work has shaped nursing.

 

Nurses4All Investigators

Linda H. Aiken, PhD, RN, FAAN
Nurses4All Principal Investigator
@LindaAiken_Penn

Linda Aiken’s pioneering research has created an evidence base showing the importance of nurses caring for fewer patients each, having most nurses with bachelor’s or higher qualifications, and improving nurse work environments.


Matthew D. McHugh PhD, JD, MPH, RN, FAAN
Nurses4All Principal Investigator
@MatthewDMcHugh

As principal investigator on multiple large-scale studies funded by NIH, AHRQ, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. McHugh’s work has advanced the field of nursing outcomes and policy research by showing the value of investing in nursing as a vehicle to achieve a higher functioning health care system.


Eileen T. Lake, PhD, RN, FAAN
Nurses4All Co-Investigator
@EileenLake_Penn

Dr. Lake developed the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, a foundational measure of nursing care performance to demonstrate nursing’s impact on patient outcomes. Dr. Lake’s goal with the index, which is used in over 23 languages, is to motivate managers and policymakers to make nursing resources a priority investment.


Dr. J. Margo Brooks Carthon

Margo Brooks Carthon, PhD, RN, FAAN
Nurses4All Co-Investigator
@DrMargoBC

Dr. Margo Brooks Carthon is a health equity expert and was one of the first researchers to demonstrate empirical relationships between the quality of nursing care and racial inequities in outcomes. Through research, Dr. Brooks Carthon aims to determine the nursing care needs of adults with complex medical and social needs and collaborate with health system partners to develop innovative solutions to reduce health disparities.


Karen Lasater, PhD, RN, Postdoctoral Fellow

Karen B. Lasater, PhD, RN, FAAN
Nurses4All Co-Investigator
@k_lasater

Dr. Lasater’s nursing research shows that better nurse resources lead to improved patient outcomes, without increasing costs. This generates new evidence on the economic impacts of staffing decisions.

Contact Us

Email: nurses4all@nursing.upenn.edu
Phone: 866-677-4255
Mailing Address:
Attn: Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
413 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104