Rural nursing
Rural nurses practice in hospital and community settings outside of metropolitan and major provincial towns and cities. Generally, rural nurses practice in communities with a population of between 500 and 10,000 people who have limited access to medical and allied health services. At most times there will be at least one medical practitioner living within the town. Rural nurses use critical thinking and decision-making skills. In many small rural hospitals, there will be one registered nurse and one enrolled nurse rostered on each shift for the hospital. During unexpected events, such as an emergency, other staff will be called in to assist.
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Rural nurses are an integral member of the local community and develop collaborative relationships with community members and other health professionals to provide a comprehensive health service. Rural communities usually have: a smaller population base than regional or capital cities, some form of primary industry that sustains them, reduced access to medical and other health services when compared to major regional and capital cities, a population with an attitude of self-sufficiency and a population particularly susceptible to occupational disease and injury.
How can I become a rural nurse?
Nurses are employed in a large number of rural areas in Queensland. If you have limited experience you may choose to commence your rural nursing practice in a larger community where there will be a number of nurses to support you. On gaining confidence and competence you may then choose to move to a smaller community where there are fewer support resources.
Practice preparation
If you are working in a metropolitan or major provincial hospital, gaining experience in a variety of specialist areas will assist in preparing you for rural nursing practice. Specialty area experience that would be of great benefit includes emergency department, paediatrics, general medical, mental health and midwifery (if you are a midwife).
Educational programs
There are a number of educational programs available to help prepare you for rural nursing practice. Both Queensland Health and tertiary institutions conduct courses specific to rural nursing practice. For more information on post-graduate course availability in this area, click here to go to the further education section.
What career opportunities are there for rural nurses?
Rural nurses are resourceful, adaptable, multi-skilled and team players. These attributes open many opportunities for rural nurses such as senior clinical and nursing management positions, project work and positions with quality improvement.
What does a rural nurse do?
Rural nurses work provide a range of services including:
- first line management of accident and emergency cases
- primary medical care
- mental health care
- general nursing inpatient care
- aged and rehabilitative care
- midwifery and paediatrics
- radiography
- community health services
- health promotion and education
- women's health
- alcohol and drug services
How can I get more information about rural nurses/nursing?
For more information on rural nursing, contact the Association for Australian Rural Nurses
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