Exploring the sustaining factors that motivate nurses to work in the rural areas of Papua New Guinea

<p>Papua New Guinea is among other developing countries that are faced with a critical shortage in human resources in health, specifically nurses, and rural areas are the most affected. Initially, and perhaps unsurprisingly, there were only two relevant studies that directly related to Papua New Guinea in this area based on the literature search. The first of these two studies was focused on nurses and the social aspect of rural motivation compared to the other which was focused on rural health professionals in general. Nevertheless, other research studies were eventually found from other developing countries such as certain Pacific, African and Latin American countries that served to assist in focusing the research on the chosen topic. This descriptive-exploratory study set out to explore the sustaining factors that influenced existing nurses to remain (or otherwise) in their work in Papua New Guinea’s rural areas. As such, the study involves 10 rural nurses with over two years of rural work experience in two different organisations; government and church. The interviews were semi-structured and were designed to explore the motivating factors for rural nurses and how any challenges, or demotivating factors, were overcome. The interviews were conducted in the common spoken language Tok Pisin which was translated into English, transcribed and analysed thematically. Overall the study found that rural nurses are disadvantaged because they struggle with limited resources to deliver effective health care, and they also face several personal challenges which are often overlooked. The main findings are categorised under two major themes, 1) safety and 2) socioeconomic, and each are explored by further exploration of the themes and sub-themes that are evident in both. The implications of this study are examined, including recommendations, to develop policies that are designed to address the ongoing needs of rural nurses in Papua New Guinea.</p>

Exploring the sustaining factors that motivate nurses to work in the rural areas of Papua New Guinea

<p>Papua New Guinea is among other developing countries that are faced with a critical shortage in human resources in health, specifically nurses, and rural areas are the most affected. Initially, and perhaps unsurprisingly, there were only two relevant studies that directly related to Papua New Guinea in this area based on the literature search. The first of these two studies was focused on nurses and the social aspect of rural motivation compared to the other which was focused on rural health professionals in general. Nevertheless, other research studies were eventually found from other developing countries such as certain Pacific, African and Latin American countries that served to assist in focusing the research on the chosen topic. This descriptive-exploratory study set out to explore the sustaining factors that influenced existing nurses to remain (or otherwise) in their work in Papua New Guinea’s rural areas. As such, the study involves 10 rural nurses with over two years of rural work experience in two different organisations; government and church. The interviews were semi-structured and were designed to explore the motivating factors for rural nurses and how any challenges, or demotivating factors, were overcome. The interviews were conducted in the common spoken language Tok Pisin which was translated into English, transcribed and analysed thematically. Overall the study found that rural nurses are disadvantaged because they struggle with limited resources to deliver effective health care, and they also face several personal challenges which are often overlooked. The main findings are categorised under two major themes, 1) safety and 2) socioeconomic, and each are explored by further exploration of the themes and sub-themes that are evident in both. The implications of this study are examined, including recommendations, to develop policies that are designed to address the ongoing needs of rural nurses in Papua New Guinea.</p>

Lack of Anonymity and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Rural Nurses

Purpose: The purpose was to determine the prevalence of lack of anonymity (LA) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) among nurses; determine if nurses’ LA and STS differ by population density and examine the relationship between lack of anonymity and STS. Design and Method: A descriptive correlational study examined LA and STS in a random sample of 271 nurses from counties with differing population densities (rural, micropolitan and metropolitan) of a Midwestern US State. A 3-group design was used to examine the relationship between LA and STS in nurses, living and working in these counties. Data on lack of anonymity, secondary trauma and demographics were collected through online questionnaires. Findings: Rural nurses had a higher prevalence of LA than micropolitan and metropolitan nurses. While the prevalence of STS among rural nurses was higher than either micropolitan or metropolitan nurses; there was no difference in STS among the three population groups. Lack of anonymity and STS were related; however, analysis revealed that LA and STS are inversely correlated, indicating that as LA increases, STS decreases. A majority of rural nurses (90%) reported living in a rural community prior to their 18th birthday. Conclusions: Rural nurses experience STS at similar rates as their metropolitan and micropolitan counterparts, indicating that population density may not be a factor related to the development of STS. LA appears to have a positive effect on reducing STS in rural nurses. Clinical Relevance: The study advanced the understanding of LA and STS among nurses who live and work in different population densities. The social support within rural health care facilities and communities may play a role in mitigating the effects of indirect stress. Keywords: rural, rural nursing, lack of anonymity, traumatic stressDOI: https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v21i1.651