Econometric Analysis of the Determinants of Nurses' Successful Job Search in Japan

Purpose: This paper focused on investigation the determinants of successful outcome in searching new workplace by returners who tend to back to the market after some career blank. Method: We carried out two step of analyses; to identify the determinants of length of job seeking as first , then the outcome whether they could get job successfully or not in terms of workplace and employment categories. We used web-based micro job search records administered by Japan Nursing Association, employing proportional hazard techniqe as well as discrete analysis (probit) to estimate the impact of age, education, license, length of career, number of children under 6 years, and expected job employment arrangement onto both the length of job search and successful job matching. Results: In the first step of analysis, we found those who have younger children, desireing fulltime work were not easy to find job immediately. In the second step, we found that higher education and career blank, as well as expecting fulltime-day shift working showed significant negative effect on the matching job. Also recurrent training program for those who have longer career blank did work well. Conclusion: Mid career, well skilled nurses who are out of workplace should be invited for developing nurse demand - supply balance. However there are less supportive environment surrounding potential workforce. To invite returners, providing easier circumstance of child care as well as establishing effective re-education system would be required.