An integrative review of rural and remote nursing graduate programmes and experiences of nursing graduates
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Clinical Nursing
Publisher
Wiley
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
RAS ID
26341
Abstract
Aims and Objectives
To examine international studies that specifically focus on transition to practice for graduate registered nurses in rural and remote areas.
Background
Supportive graduate nursing programs are essential for enabling nursing graduates’ transition to practice and reducing attrition rates. Literature examining support measures for nursing graduates within metropolitan areas is abundant. However, there is a paucity of evidence on effective graduate programs for rural and remote based nursing graduates.
Design
A systematic approach was used to identify robust research within appropriate electronic databases.
Method
Eligible articles were critically reviewed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool critical appraisal tool. Eligible articles were thematic analysed using the Braun and Clark approach.
Results
Eight articles met the selection criteria for inclusion. Findings revealed that while most graduate nurses survived the transition process, they often felt overwhelmed and abandoned with intense feelings of frustration. Many suffered transition shock and did not feel ready for the role. Socialisation of graduates to the clinical environment was lacking. Support offered in many graduate programs was ad hoc and unstructured. Senior staff were inadequately supported in their roles as preceptors to assist with the transition. Critical support measures recommended included both debrief sessions and regular one on one support.
Conclusions
Graduate programs need to be structured yet flexible to accommodate the needs of rural and remote nurse graduates. Graduates need to be transitioned into practice with decremental support processes for both workloads and education. Preceptors require education on how to mentor before they can provide the appropriate support for graduates. Without these measures in place, a decrease in transition shock may not be possible.
DOI
10.1111/jocn.14211
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Fowler, A. C., Twigg, D., Jacob, E., & Nattabi, B. (2017). An Integrative review of rural and remote nursing graduate programmes and experiences of nursing graduates. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(5 - 6), e753-e766. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14211