Pleasure and suffering in the rural nurse's work process: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Rural Health
• Occupational Psychology

Background:

• Rural nursing practice involves unique challenges and psychosocial dynamics.
• The pleasure-suffering dyad significantly influences the work experience of rural nurses.
• Understanding these factors is vital for supporting rural healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and map factors contributing to pleasure and suffering in the work processes of rural nurses.
• To inform strategies for enhancing mental health and professional wellbeing in rural healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted, adhering to PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
• Extensive database searches (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, etc.) and grey literature were utilized.
• Analysis was framed by Christophe Dejours' psychodynamics of work.

Main Results:

• 30 studies were included, with most published between 2007-2008, primarily from Australia.
• Key nursing work processes identified include assisting, managing, and teaching.
• Pleasure factors included holistic care and community focus; suffering factors involved resource limitations, isolation, and distance from education.

Conclusions:

• Workplace pleasure and suffering are intrinsically linked to the interplay between nurses and their work environment.
• Achieving optimal psychosocial health for rural nurses requires ongoing attention to evolving work conditions.
• Strategies must address both the satisfactions and stressors inherent in rural nursing.