Exploring the Role and Skill Requirements of Registered Nurses Working in Rural and Remote Areas. A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Rural Health
• Healthcare Workforce Studies

Background:

• Registered nurses (RNs) form the majority of the rural and remote health workforce.
• Their roles demand distinct skills, knowledge, and practices compared to metropolitan counterparts.
• The complexity of rural and remote environments necessitates an investigation into contemporary RN roles and skill requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of the contemporary literature on the role and skill requirements of RNs in rural and remote locations.
• To extend previous research on RN roles in these settings.
• To identify current international roles, challenges, and opportunities for rural and remote RNs.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
• Searches were conducted across multiple databases including CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus.
• Studies published from November 2017 to June 2024 were included to capture current international roles.

Main Results:

• 74 articles were included, identifying clinical and non-clinical roles.
• Subcategories included fundamental, specialist, management, support, and ancillary roles.
• Identified tensions: generalist vs. specialist, preparedness, extended scope of practice, and role uncertainty.

Conclusions:

• Rural and remote RN roles are expansive, context-dependent, and dynamic, encompassing all care levels.
• Global similarities exist in challenges, barriers, and opportunities, influenced by resource availability.
• Findings inform future education and training to enhance care quality in rural and remote communities.