The uniqueness of rural nursing

Rural nursing is a unique and challenging field of nursing that requires a "special breed" of nurse that is committed to high quality, comprehensive care at the individual, family, and community levels. The unique characteristics of rural nursing include close interaction with the community, a truly generalist approach, and increased autonomy, cohesiveness, and community visibility. This area of specialty practice requires nurses to be highly competent and well-prepared in all aspects of professional practice. Certainly, the demands of rural nursing are great, as are the benefits. Rural nursing can indeed be the essence of what nursing should be.