Developing advanced rural nursing practice: a whole new scope of responsibility

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Rural Health
• Advanced Practice

Background:

• Rural areas face unique healthcare challenges, including limited access to primary care services.
• Registered nurses (RNs) are crucial in addressing these gaps through expanded roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore rural registered nurses' experiences with advanced clinical nursing practice.
• To evaluate the impact of an advanced primary care course on nurses' skills, confidence, and job satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used, combining focus groups and a quantitative online survey.
• Thirty-two rural RNs in Victoria, Australia, participated after completing a distance education advanced practice nursing course.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported high self-perceptions of competence, confidence, and preparedness (>7/10).
• The course enhanced skills for holistic patient care and professional advancement.
• Nurses independently or collaboratively managed minor illnesses, increasing patient access and reducing medical workload.

Conclusions:

• Advanced practice nursing education positively impacts rural RNs' capabilities and job satisfaction.
• Implementing advanced practice roles in rural settings requires clear role definitions and dedicated positions.
• Collaborative advanced practice models show significant potential for improving rural healthcare delivery.