Mrs Jessica Hammersley1, Dr Karen Francis1, Ms Larissa Smart1, Ms Grace Bennett-Daly1, Dr Carey Mather1, Ms Diana Guzys1
1UTAS, Hobart, AUS
Registered nurses work in a diversity of practice contexts that influence the scope of their practice, particularly in rural and remote settings. For people living within these regions, health challenges and barriers are more likely to occur. Higher proportions of illness and disease may be attributed to the social determinants of health including living conditions, social isolation, socio-economic status and distance from available healthcare services (AIHW, 2005). The role of the rural and remote registered nurses in under serviced isolated areas differs significantly to those working in regional and metropolitan areas (National Association of Rural Health Education and Research Organisations, 2001) and currently, little is known about the capability and capacity of registered nurses who are employed in rural and remote practice settings in Tasmania. .
Therefore, this study seeks ought to explore this area by determining the diversity of practice settings and the roles and practice of registered nurses highlighting capabilities and capacities. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this study will inform undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education, identify the current scope of practice of the registered nurse and inform local recruitment and retention strategies, the scope of the registered nurse, as well as career and future planning for the registered nursing workforce in these settings.
Biography:
Jessica Hammersley is a Lecturer in Nursing for the University of Tasmania and a registered nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, specialising in the area of oncology. After completing her Masters in Nursing and Honours research, the area of cancer care in adolescents and young adults in rural settings has become her area of focus.