Journal article
Nurses' perceptions of the practice environment in small rural hospitals
Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia), Vol.28(5), pp.472-481
10/2021
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Abstract
Background
Nurses are essential to hospitals in rural areas, however little is known about the small rural hospital practice environment. Insight into this unique environment is important in attracting and retaining nurses in this setting.
Aim
To examine nurses’ perceptions of the practice environment in Australian small rural hospitals.
Design
A descriptive cross-sectional survey.
Methods
Data were collected via an online survey of nurses working in Australian small rural hospitals. The Nursing Work Index-Revised: Australian was used to measure nurses’ perceptions of the practice environment and the relationships with demographics and hospital characteristics were examined. Descriptive, inferential statistics and multiple linear regression were applied to analyse the data.
Findings
A total of 383 responses were included. The findings suggested an overall favourable practice environment. The collegial nurse-physician relations subscale was rated highest, which was supported by responses to free text comments. There were significant differences in nurses’ perceptions of the practice environment based on some demographic and hospital characteristics with those born overseas and those without 24-hour emergency departments having higher scores. The State/Territory where the hospital were located was a predictor of nurses’ perceptions of the practice environment.
Conclusion
To positively influence the small rural hospital practice environment and improve staff satisfaction and retention, nurse leaders and managers can increase nurses’ involvement in organisational decision making and equip the workplace to better support rural nurses to work autonomously and with limited backup.
Details
- Title
- Nurses' perceptions of the practice environment in small rural hospitals
- Creators
- Sarah Smith - University of WollongongElizabeth Halcomb - University of WollongongJenny Sim - University of WollongongSamuel Lapkin - University of Wollongong
- Publication Details
- Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia), Vol.28(5), pp.472-481
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 10
- Identifiers
- 991013092674502368
- Copyright
- © 2020 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article