Understanding NurseConsultantrole engagement inmetropolitanandrural contexts

Area of Science:

• Nursing Leadership
• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Role ambiguity negatively impacts effectiveness for Nurse Consultants (NCs).
• NCs are clinical leaders in Australia, with similar roles globally.
• Dynamic healthcare contexts contribute to NC role ambiguity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role, scope, and engagement level of NCs.
• To examine NC work across metropolitan and rural settings in New South Wales, Australia.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional sequential mixed-methods design.
• Validated questionnaire for work engagement and activity data (Phase 1).
• Interviews with NCs and stakeholders (Phase 2). Phase 1 findings are reported here.

Main Results:

• Work engagement patterns varied by role grade (1, 2, or 3).
• Higher grades showed higher engagement across domains and sectors.
• Rural NCs focused more on education, clinical leadership, consultancy, and direct patient contact.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrating NC contributions is crucial for reducing ambiguity.
• NC roles are multifaceted, with variations based on grade and location.
• Rural NCs have a significant emphasis on direct patient care and education.