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Professional Isolation: Impact on Rural Nurses Resuscitation Practices and Experiences

Authors:
Katherine Riley at University of Wollongong
Katherine Riley
Valerie Wilson
Valerie Wilson
Valerie Wilson
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Rebekkah Middleton at University of Wollongong
Rebekkah Middleton
Luke Molloy at University of Wollongong
Luke Molloy
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Abstract

Aim The aim of this discussion paper is twofold: (1) To critically examine the challenges related to resuscitations among rural nurses and how these contribute to a sense of professional isolation and (2) To discuss practical solutions and strategies that could be implemented to mitigate the effects of professional isolation. Background Professional isolation is not unique to rural nursing practice. It is a complex issue often observed in low‐resourced environments that are geographically distant from larger hospitals, such as small rural emergency departments. With a greater research focus placed on the recruitment and retention challenges associated with professional isolation, studies often overlook the intermediary factors contributing to this issue, such as the effect of resuscitations on rural nurses. In addition, there are few studies that have evaluated interventions or strategies to address professional isolation. Design A critical discussion paper. Methods This discussion paper is based on data drawn from current evidence and is guided by the authors research experience as part of a doctoral study. Results Professional isolation negatively affects rural nurses' experiences of resuscitation by creating barriers to skill acquisition and professional growth and reducing career intent in rural areas. Strategies such as leadership training, rural mentorship, debriefing and cognitive aids are possible strategies that could address these challenges. Conclusions The trajectory of professional isolation is contingent upon the capacity of rural nurses to have access to professional avenues that enhance connection, sharing of knowledge, skills and experiences. Addressing professional isolation is crucial for the well‐being of rural nurses and the overall sustainability and growth of the rural healthcare workforce.
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Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2024; 0:1–9
https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16649
1 of 9
Journal of Advanced Nursing
DISCURSIVE PAPER
Professional Isolation: Impact on Rural Nurses
Resuscitation Practices and Experiences
KatherineRiley1 | ValerieWilson2 | RebekkahMiddleton1 | LukeMolloy1
1School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia | 2Prince of Wales Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Ingham
Institute, Liverpool, Australia
Correspondence: Katherine Riley (kriley@uow.edu.au)
Received: 1 October 202 4 | Revised: 12 November 2024 | Accepted: 21 November 202 4
Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.
Keywords: debriefing| emergency nursing| isolation| mentorship| resuscitation| rural health| rural hospital| telemedicine
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this discussion paper is twofold: (1) To critically examine the challenges related to resuscitations among rural
nurses and how these contribute to a sense of professional isolation and (2) To discuss practical solutions and strategies that could
be implemented to mitigate the effects of professional isolation.
Background: Professional isolation is not unique to rural nursing practice. It is a complex issue often observed in low- resourced
environments that are geographically distant from larger hospitals, such as small rural emergency departments. With a greater
research focus placed on the recruitment and retention challenges associated with professional isolation, studies often overlook
the intermediary factors contributing to this issue, such as the effect of resuscitations on rural nurses. In addition, there are few
studies that have evaluated interventions or strategies to address professional isolation.
Design: A critical discussion paper.
Methods: This discussion paper is based on data drawn from current evidence and is guided by the authors research experience
as part of a doctoral study.
Results: Professional isolation negatively affects rural nurses' experiences of resuscitation by creating barriers to skill acquisi-
tion and professional growth and reducing career intent in rural areas. Strategies such as leadership training, rural mentorship,
debriefing and cognitive aids are possible strategies that could address these challenges.
Conclusions: The trajectory of professional isolation is contingent upon the capacity of rural nurses to have access to profes-
sional avenues that enhance connection, sharing of knowledge, skills and experiences. Addressing professional isolation is cru-
cial for the well- being of rural nurses and the overall sustainability and growth of the rural healthcare workforce.
1 | Introduction
Professional isolation has been referred to as a state of separa-
tion from opportunities for knowledge sharing with professional
peers and lack of support or mentoring networks within a pro-
fessional context (Jukkala, Henly, and Lindeke2008a; Kutoane,
Scott, and Brysiewicz2023). Professional isolation is not unique
to rural nursing practice. It is a complex issue often observed
in low- resourced environments that are geographically distant
from larger hospitals, such as small rural emergency depart-
ments (Kidd, Kenny, and Meehan- Andrews2012). Barriers that
contribute to professional isolation among rural nurses include
limited access to sustainable continuing education (Hunt and
Hunt2016) and onsite access to experienced nursing and med-
ical staff (Twigg, Cramer, and Pugh 2016; Kutoane, Scott, and
Brysiewicz2023).
© 2024 J ohn Wiley & Sons Ltd .
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