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Rural nursing in the United States: where do we stand as we enter a new millennium?
1University of Central Florida, School of Nursing, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. abushy@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu
The Australian Journal of Rural Health
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Rural communities face disparities in income, health, and education. Rural nursing practice involves unique challenges and requires awareness of these environmental factors for effective client care.
Area of Science:
- Rural Health
- Nursing Practice
- Community Health
Background:
- Approximately 25% of Americans reside in rural areas, with 31 states having over 60% of counties designated as rural.
- Residents of non-metropolitan areas often experience disparities in income, health status, access to care, education, and employment compared to metropolitan counterparts.
- Rural populations frequently encounter unique barriers in accessing human and health services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine common nursing issues in rural practice settings.
- To highlight factors influencing rural nursing care.
- To inform nurses about the specific context of rural healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Literature review.
- Synthesis of personal and professional nursing experiences.
- Analysis of factors affecting rural healthcare access and delivery.
Main Results:
- Rural nursing practice is influenced by socioeconomic and access-to-care disparities.
- Nurses in rural settings must navigate unique obstacles to provide effective care.
- Despite some changes, many core challenges in rural nursing persist.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the unique environment and challenges of rural communities is crucial for nurses.
- Addressing disparities and barriers is essential for improving rural health outcomes.
- Rural nursing requires specialized knowledge and adaptability to meet community needs.