Australian rural emergency nurses' care of paediatric patients: A qualitative study

Rural emergency nurses (RENs) are expected to provide care to paediatric patients presenting to their facilities however, as generalist nurses, they experience challenges and feelings that are unique to the rural context.

An exploratory qualitative study of 13 RENs via semi structured interviews of perceptions and experiences of caring for paediatrics and self-determination of autonomous practice, motivations and connectedness in care was the approach used.

Inductive thematic analysis of data identified four themes with sub-themes identified within each theme. The four themes were: Caring for Children, Professional Roles, Professional Care and Connection and Professional Development.

RENs describe feeling fear, stress and anxiety when caring for sick children, particularly when known to the patient and family in their community yet will self-determine autonomous practice and use gatekeeping in certain situations of paediatric care. RENs are motivated to increase their paediatric knowledge and skills, seeking paediatric education opportunities but face barriers in attendance such as travel and costs. RENs rely on connectedness with other rural nurses, seeking paediatric nursing guidance or telehealth support, particularly when performing multiple roles or in the absence of a doctor in the ED.

Provision of opportunities for RENs to lead education in paediatric nursing, that is contextually appropriate and co-designed with paediatric experts is preferred. This would yield greater REN engagement and participation in paediatric education for knowledge and skill proficiency, would increase rural nurse professional development and reduce feelings of fear and anxiety when caring for paediatrics.