The perceptions of rural nurses towards role change within the context of organisational change

This paper, derived from The role and function of the rural nurse in Australia study, describes the effects of organisational change upon the rural nurses participating in the study. It appears that whilst change is an inevitable and regular feature of rural health service delivery, it does not necessarily benefit rural nurses or communities for reasons unique to rural life. Nurses in the study responded positively to organisational change when it was congruent with the rural norms of community consultation and collaboration, or when it ensured the long-term viability of the health service. They responded negatively to organisational change that caused role overload, role conflict or role insecurity, particularly when they perceived they had little control over the change process. This paper emphasises the need for nurses to actively participate in the change processes affecting their livelihood and their communities.