The Magpies went into the game looking to avenge the 5-1 drubbing they suffered at the hands of Rushden at Nene Park back in October, but they had to be content with a draw in the fourth consecutive match they have failed to win at home.
Notts had an abundance of chances to beat Rushden but they were not clinical enough in front of goal.
Leading scorer Glynn Hurst was the biggest culprit missing two headed chances on 23 and 45 minutes and tamely hit an easy tap-in straight into the arms of visiting keeper Scott Shearer.
Hurst was sharper and unluckier in the second half. First Shearer produced a brilliant reaction save to deny him and, moments later, when Shearer was beaten Peter Hawkins cleared his effort off the line.
Rushden shook Notts by breaking the deadlocks on 52 minutes when Billy Sharp produced an emphatic near post header to convert a Hawkins' free-kick.
Notts were level moments later when Shaun Harrad was fouled in the box and Julien Baudet coolly converted the penalty.
Apart from losing two points there was another big blow for Notts when striker Gavin Gordon sustained what appeared to be a long-term injury which lead to him being stretchered off with just under half an hour played.
Gordon went to hospital for a facial injury which may even keep him out for the rest of the campaign, thus further stretching Ian Richardson's limited play resources.
Rushden had to withstand some heavy Notts pressure in the closing stages, but all in all, were value for their point.