An investigation into the provision of support within transition to practice programs for new graduate nurses in rural health settings

PhD Thesis


Lea, Jacqeline. 2013. An investigation into the provision of support within transition to practice programs for new graduate nurses in rural health settings. PhD Thesis Doctor of Philosophy. University of Canberra.
Title

An investigation into the provision of support within transition to practice programs for new graduate nurses in rural health settings

TypePhD Thesis
Authors
AuthorLea, Jacqeline
SupervisorCruickshank, Mary
Grealish, laurie
Institution of OriginUniversity of Canberra
Qualification NameDoctor of Philosophy
Year2013
Abstract

In Australia, very few new graduate nurses enter the rural nursing workforce, and those who do go to large regional area health services. Little is known about the role transition process experienced by the small number of graduates working in rural health services and even less is known about their support needs during the transition process. The new graduate nurse who enters the rural health workforce enters a professional practice very different from metropolitan nursing practice and also from what they have experienced in their preparation for professional nursing practice. In the rural practice environment many nursing graduates will be expected by employers to have high levels of independence, well-developed problem solving abilities and assume management and leadership responsibilities early in their graduate year. The diversity and complexity of rural nursing practice, coupled with the present staffing ratios and skill mixes within rural health services, often prevents the new graduate from having time to make an effective transition into the nursing workforce and also significantly impacts on the educational and support services that can be offered to new graduate nurses in transition programs in rural health services. This study sought to investigate the nature and timing of support required for the safe transition to the rural nursing workforce.

Using a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive longitudinal case study design, this study was conducted in rural health services within one area health service of northern New South Wales, Australia. Data collection for this study occurred in two phases. First, a questionnaire of rural nurses responsible for Transition to Practice Programs within rural health services was conducted in Phase One of the Study. In Phase Two, individual interviews with new graduate nurses occurred at three points in time at intervals consistent with Duchscher’s Stages of Transition Theory (2008, p. 443), which was utilised as the theoretical framework for this study. Also in Phase Two, individual interviews were conducted with experienced rural nurses who, at the time of the study, worked with the new graduate nurses.

The data were analysed using content analysis in Phase One and thematic analysis in Phase Two and the findings from Phase Two have been presented as four major themes.

This study found that the new graduate nurse making the transition to professional rural nursing practice moves along the transition continuum described by Duchscher (2008) and that there are particular and unique aspects of the rural nurses role and responsibilities for which new graduate nurses require learning support during their transition to rural nursing practice. This study also found that there is minimal understanding at the individual clinical unit level, local health service level, and at the Area health service level, of the support needs of the new graduate nurse who is making the transition to rural nursing practice.

This study has implications for practice and policy in relation to the support offered within rural Transition to Practice Programs and for the recruitment and retention of graduate nurses to the rural nursing workforce. Recommendations for addressing the nature and timing of
support to provide for a safe, supported transition to the rural nursing workforce are made. A proposed framework that would support a Transition to Practice Program in the rural context is presented and discussed. The framework consists of five principles and each principle provides strategies on which to base structural decisions when designing and developing a rural Transition to Practice Program.

Further investigation regarding the provision of support during the transition from student to professional practicing rural nurse is required. As this case study was conducted in only one area health service of northern New South Wales it is recommended that this study be replicated and extended to all rural areas of New South Wales to determine and compare similarities and differences in the level of support offered by other rural Area health services.

Keywordsnursing; rural health; support
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020399999. Other education not elsewhere classified
420599. Nursing not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Canberra
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q50y3/an-investigation-into-the-provision-of-support-within-transition-to-practice-programs-for-new-graduate-nurses-in-rural-health-settings

  • 121
    total views
  • 1
    total downloads
  • 3
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

An exploration of extreme obesity and weight loss management for adults in rural, remote, and regional areas: A systematic review
Summers, Rachael, Lea, Jackie and East, Leah. 2024. "An exploration of extreme obesity and weight loss management for adults in rural, remote, and regional areas: A systematic review ." Contemporary Nurse. https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2024.2304712
A Qualitative Investigation of Factors Affecting Saudi Patients’ Communication Experience with Non-Saudi Physicians in Saudi Arabia
Alkhamees, Mohammad, Lea, Jackie, Islam, Md Shahidul, Alasqah, Ibrahim, Alzghaibi, Haitham, Alharbi, Mohammad F., Albejaidi, Fahad, Mughal, Yasir Hayat and Parker, Vicki. 2023. "A Qualitative Investigation of Factors Affecting Saudi Patients’ Communication Experience with Non-Saudi Physicians in Saudi Arabia." Healthcare. 11 (1). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010118
Development of an Electronic Interdisciplinary Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Proforma (E-ICP) to Improve Interdisciplinary Guideline Adherence in the Emergency Department: Modified Delphi Study
Isaac, Hancy, Keijzers, Gerben, Yang, Ian A., Lea, Jackie, Taylor, Melissa and Moloney, Clint. 2022. "Development of an Electronic Interdisciplinary Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Proforma (E-ICP) to Improve Interdisciplinary Guideline Adherence in the Emergency Department: Modified Delphi Study." International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 17, pp. 1089-1106. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S358254
Mapping of Modifiable Factors with Interdisciplinary Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Guidelines Adherence to the Theoretical Domains Framework: A Systematic Review
Issac, Hancy, Moloney, Clint, Taylor, Melissa and Lea, Jackie. 2022. "Mapping of Modifiable Factors with Interdisciplinary Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Guidelines Adherence to the Theoretical Domains Framework: A Systematic Review." Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. 15, pp. 47-79. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S343277
Conflict, confusion and inconsistencies: Pre-registration nursing students’ perceptions and experiences of speaking up for patient safety
Fagan, Anthea, Lea, Jackie and Parker, Vicki. 2020. "Conflict, confusion and inconsistencies: Pre-registration nursing students’ perceptions and experiences of speaking up for patient safety." Nursing Inquiry. 28 (1), pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12381
The financial challenges for Australian nursing students attending placement-based work-integrated learning.
Usher, Kim, Fagan, Anthea, Brown, Janie A., Mather, Carey, Marlow, Annette, Power, Tamara, van de Mortel, Thea, West, Caryn, Hutchinson, Marie, Zhao, Lin, Terry, Victoria, Woods, Cindy and Lea, Jackie. 2022. "The financial challenges for Australian nursing students attending placement-based work-integrated learning." Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research. 29 (2), pp. 154-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2021.07.005
The experiences of new graduate nurses caring for the deteriorating patient in rural areas: An integrative review
Towner, Elaine C., East, Leah S. and Lea, Jackie. 2022. "The experiences of new graduate nurses caring for the deteriorating patient in rural areas: An integrative review." Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research. 29 (2), pp. 245-251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2021.12.006
Exploring factors contributing to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) guideline non-adherence and potential solutions in the emergency department: interdisciplinary staff perspective
Issac, Hancy, Taylor, Melissa, Moloney, Clint and Lea, Jackie. 2021. "Exploring factors contributing to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) guideline non-adherence and potential solutions in the emergency department: interdisciplinary staff perspective." Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. 14, pp. 767-785. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S276702
Mapping of modifiable barriers and facilitators with interdisciplinary chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines concordance within hospitals to the Theoretical Domains Framework: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Issac, Hancy, Moloney, Clint, Taylor, Melissa and Lea, Jackie. 2020. "Mapping of modifiable barriers and facilitators with interdisciplinary chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines concordance within hospitals to the Theoretical Domains Framework: a mixed methods systematic review protocol." BMJ Open. 10 (7). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036060
Meaningful engagement with Aboriginal communities using Participatory Action Research to develop culturally appropriate health resources
Peake, Rachel, Jackson, Debra, Lea, Jackie and Usher, Kim. 2021. "Meaningful engagement with Aboriginal communities using Participatory Action Research to develop culturally appropriate health resources." Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 32 (2), pp. 129-136. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659619899999
Investigating the processes used to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of health education resources for adult Indigenous people: a literature review
Peake, Rachel M., Jackson, Debra, Lea, Jackie and Usher, Kim. 2019. "Investigating the processes used to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of health education resources for adult Indigenous people: a literature review." Contemporary Nurse. 55 (4-5), pp. 421-449. https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2019.1633939
Disseminating research
Paliadelis, Penny, Parmenter, Glenda and Lea, Jackie. 2014. "Disseminating research." Jirojwong, Sansnee, Johnson, Maree and Welch, Anthony (ed.) Research methods in nursing and midwifery: pathways to evidence-based practice. Sydney, Australia. Oxford University Press. pp. 337-354
The development and evaluation of online stories to enhance clinical learning experiences across health professions in rural Australia
Paliadelis, Penny Susan, Stupans, Ieva, Parker, Vicki, Piper, Donella, Gillan, Pauline, Lea, Jackie, Jarrott, Helen Mary, Wilson, Rhonda, Hudson, Judith N. and Fagan, Anthea. 2014. "The development and evaluation of online stories to enhance clinical learning experiences across health professions in rural Australia." Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research. 22 (4), pp. 397-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2014.08.003
The support needs of new graduate nurses making the transition to rural nursing practice in Australia
Lea, Jackie and Cruickshank, Mary. 2015. "The support needs of new graduate nurses making the transition to rural nursing practice in Australia." Journal of Clinical Nursing. 24 (7-8), pp. 948-960. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12720
Supporting new graduate nurses making the transition to rural nursing practice: views from experienced rural nurses
Lea, Jackie and Cruickshank, Mary. 2015. "Supporting new graduate nurses making the transition to rural nursing practice: views from experienced rural nurses." Journal of Clinical Nursing. 24 (19-20), pp. 2826-2834. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12890
The role of rural nurse managers in supporting new graduate nurses in rural practice
Lea, Jackie and Cruickshank, Mary. 2017. "The role of rural nurse managers in supporting new graduate nurses in rural practice." Journal of Nursing Management. 25 (3), pp. 176-183. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12453
Preparing for the transition to registered nursing practice
Lea, Jacqueline. 2019. "Preparing for the transition to registered nursing practice." Arnott, Nick, Paliadelis, Penny and Cruickshank, Mary (ed.) The road to nursing. Melbourne, Australia. Cambridge University Press. pp. 278-294
Patient safety content and delivery in pre-registration nursing curricula: a national cross-sectional survey study
Usher, Kim, Woods, Cindy, Conway, Jane, Lea, Jackie, Parker, Vicki, Barrett, Fiona, O'Shea, Eilish and Jackson, Debra. 2018. "Patient safety content and delivery in pre-registration nursing curricula: a national cross-sectional survey study." Nurse Education Today. 66, pp. 82-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.04.013
Australian nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes towards pressure injury prevention: a cross-sectional study
Usher, Kim, Woods, Cindy, Brown, Janie, Power, Tamara, Lea, Jackie, Hutchinson, Marie, Mather, Carey, Miller, Andrea, Saunders, Annette, Mills, Jane, Zhao, Lin, Yates, Karen, Bodak, Marie, Southern, Joanne and Jackson, Debra. 2018. "Australian nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes towards pressure injury prevention: a cross-sectional study." International Journal of Nursing Studies. 81, pp. 14-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmurstu.2018.01.015
The impact of patient safety culture on handovers in rural health facilities
Piper, Donella, Lea, Jackie, Woods, Cindy and Parker, Vicki. 2018. "The impact of patient safety culture on handovers in rural health facilities." BMC Health Services Research. 18 (889). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3708-3