Mills, Jane, Francis, Karen, Birks, Melanie, Coyle, Meaghan, Porter, Joanne, and Missen, Karen (2011) Nursing in remote or isolated areas of Queensland: role, resources and readiness for practice. In: Berhardt, Leon V., (ed.) Advances in Medicine and Biology. Advances in Medicine and Biology, 26 . Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA, pp. 265-275.

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Abstract

Introduction: Examining the role of the nurses working in remote and isolated areas of Queensland and identifying the necessary competencies, training and resources required by registered nurses to work in these practice contexts was the aim of this commissioned research study.

Methods: A multiple case study research design was utilised to investigate nursing in remote and isolated areas of Queensland. The data generation methods included an integrative review of the published and grey literature, an analysis of workforce data, and a mini environmental scan to determine the parameters and characteristics of the three cases. These data provided background for interpreting additional data generated from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with nurses employed in each case.

Results: 13.11% of the nursing workforce in Queensland work in non-metropolitan areas as classified using the ARIA classification index with 4.34% of this number employed in remote or very remote areas. For most of these nurses their role is generalist and acute care interventionist focussed, although there was an acceptance that health outcomes would improve if primary prevention activities were prioritised.

Conclusion: The role of nurses working in remote and isolated practice settings in Queensland is complex. A refocussing of the role of these nurses with an emphasis on primary health care is recommended. Nurses must be adequately resourced in these positions and prepared for their unique role both clinically and culturally. Access to pre-deployment professionals to engage with communities and promote wellbeing.

Item ID:	11473
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-1-61324-065-6
ISSN:	2157-5398
Keywords:	clinical skills, preparation, primary health care, orientation, Queensland, remote, remote area nurse, remote centre, resources, role
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2012 05:43
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1110 Nursing > 111099 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920210 Nursing @ 100%
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