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1453 results in Nursing

Page 56 of 73

  • 4 - The practice of rural nursing and midwifery

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 46-64

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • describe the rural health workforce

  • discuss the role of a rural registered nurse or midwife

  • explain the challenges of practising as a registered nurse or midwife in a rural context

  • identify methods for ensuring currency of practice

  • explain cultural responsiveness and how this concept can be embedded in practice.

    • Key words

  • Rural nursing and midwifery, practice, workforce, education, recency of practice

    • Chapter overview

    This chapter focuses on rural nursing and midwifery practice. For the purposes of discussion, the context of rural practice will include remote area nursing practice encompassing a wide range of health services and settings, including small inpatient and multipurpose facilities, aged care, general practice and community health, outreach services, sole practitioner sites and locally controlled Aboriginal community health services (Francis & Mills, 2011). Nurses and midwives employed in rural and remote health services face numerous challenges that will be discussed.

    Introduction

    Australia, as highlighted in Chapter 1, is characterised as a large continent in which the majority of the population reside along the coastal perimeters and within urban or regional locations, with over two-thirds living in major cities (Baxter, Gray & Hayes, 2011). The population in rural and remote areas of Australia is small in comparison to the urban and regional areas of the continent (Baxter et al., 2011). Therefore, as the population dwindles in size, so do the resources available to these rural and remote populations. This affects the ability of an individual to receive the same health care as their urban counterparts (Carey, Wakerman, Humphreys, Buykx & Lindeman, 2013). The provision of healthcare professionals is another issue; it is often difficult to attract and maintain the services of healthcare providers in rural and remote areas of Australia (Yates, Kelly, Lindsay & Usher, 2013).

  • 8 - Living longer, living well

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 126-139

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • empathise with older people in rural Australian communities

  • discuss the attitudes towards healthy ageing in rural communities and their association with living well

  • identify the role that lay carers play in support for older people with healthcare needs

  • identify the role that professional health services play in the maintenance of healthy lifestyles for older people in rural communities

  • appreciate the advantages for older people, their carers and family members of preparing advanced care directives.

    • Key words

  • Living well, chronic and complex care, self-care, health promotion, advanced care directives

    • Chapter overview

    This chapter provides a positive picture of living well as an older person in a rural community. It covers self-care and formal and informal support services for older people by profiling a fictional senior Australian, Sarah Atwood, as she becomes frail and in need of extra support.

    Introduction

    Community is a key word in rural living as it signals benefits of mateship, reciprocity and security. These are particularly valued aspects of rural living for older people and can make the difference between a contented old age and one full of ill-health, social isolation and insecurity. Active older people are the backbone of any rural community through the contribution of their time and talents to family life as informal and formal carers for partners, friends and family. They also get involved in politics, voluntary services, social networks and charities. Such activities keep people interested and involved and add substantially to feelings of self-worth and dignity, which are so necessary for mental health and wellbeing.

  • 6 - Childhood and adolescence in rural communities

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 86-106

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • discuss the normal growth and development (developmental milestones) related to children in rural communities

  • define and identify common health issues related to children and adolescents in rural communities, including respiratory disorders, injury/accidents and burns

  • identify health promotion practices such as access to and application of appropriate screening tests as well as age-relevant immunisation requirements

  • briefly discuss issues relating to mental and sexual health in relation to adolescence in rural communities

  • describe and discuss access issues that children and adolescents in rural communities have in relation to accessing metropolitan health facilities.

    • Key words

  • Childhood conditions, mental health, adolescents, immunisation, growth and development

    • Chapter overview

    This chapter provides a brief snapshot of children and adolescents in varying contexts of practice in rural environments. Common childhood conditions and aspects of adolescent health will be presented in conjunction with case studies and reflective questions to facilitate practical application.

    Growth and development

    Factors affecting growth and development fall into two main categories: heredity and genetic and environmental factors. In the early prenatal environment, the uterus shields the foetus from external adverse conditions, which may include maternal nutritional deficiencies, metabolic or endocrine disturbances, infectious diseases such as rubella, Rh incompatibility, smoking, alcohol and drugs. In the postnatal period, the environment determines the pace and pattern of growth and development. During this time, nutrition, infections, trauma, socioeconomic level, climate, cultural influences, emotional factors, chronic diseases and growth potentials will lay the groundwork for development of the child.

  • 9 - Mental health in rural communities

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 140-158

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • understand the rural environment and its relationship to mental health and wellbeing

  • discuss attitudes towards mental illness in the rural context

  • identify mental health matters from a lifespan approach

  • acknowledge the roles of rural generalist nurses/midwives and mental health specialists within interdisciplinary teams

  • understand that rural people are faced with particular challenges when accessing mental health information and services and recognise the specific needs of Indigenous Australians.

    • Key words

  • Interdisciplinary teams, mental ill-health, stigma, contemporary models of care, access and equity

    • Chapter overview

    This chapter provides an overview of mental health and wellbeing in rural Australia. The narrative will be guided by a lifespan approach exploring health promotion, information, and access and equity with respect to mental health services for children, adolescents, youth, adults and older adults. The specific healthcare needs of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will also be addressed. The chapter covers current trends, models of care available to individuals experiencing mental ill-health, and the roles of generalist nurses/midwives, mental health clinicians and other interdisciplinary team members. Collectively, they aim to support rural healthcare users to help them achieve their individual goals, with additional support from family members and significant others.

  • 7 - Working with adults in rural communities

    • By Ysanne Chapman, James Cook University, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Adelaide., Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University
  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 107-125

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • describe and critique the division of labour in rural communities

  • discuss and critique employment opportunities in rural Australia

  • debate the impact of the mining boom on rural Australia

  • outline the major healthcare issues of working adults in rural Australia

  • explain the role and function of the nurse in providing health care to adults in rural communities.

    • Key words

  • Adults, rural, employment, division of labour, nurses

    • Chapter overview

    The adult in rural settings is the focus of this chapter. In it we will discuss how employment openings present themselves as opportunities for adults to settle and grow in rural areas. According to Reimer (1997), informal social networks assist with gaining employment or developing employment opportunities in rural areas. Changes in kin and friendship relationships, divisions of labour and economic viability also impinge on rural employment. When economic factors threaten the viability of local employers, unemployment challenges arise – and these will also be discussed. Common health conditions and serious threats to wellbeing from either those employed or those not employed will be outlined. The central role of nurses in various practice settings and their interaction with the adult population will be weaved through the discussions.

    Gender and work

    More than one-third of Australians live in rural and regional areas (see Chapters 1 and 2). However, many rural areas are characterised by an ageing and declining population. Young people and families migrate to urban centres for improved work, education and lifestyle opportunities. Gender equality within rural areas enables women to become viable economic players in sustaining employment. Gender norms and patterns can be rigid in some countries; women are often placed in a disadvantaged position to men. Unequal pay, hours of employment and rights of the individual are all factors that contribute to such inequality (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations [FAO], 2010). When women are equal contributing partners in a household, the health of that household increases, and women’s leadership and decision-making participation are also strengthened (FAO, 2010).

  • 1 - The context

    • By Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Ysanne Chapman, James Cook University, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Adelaide
  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 1-17

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • describe an overview of the history and culture of the Australian population

  • discuss the statistics of the Australian population

  • describe the current health priorities for Australia

  • provide an overview of how health care is provided in Australia and how the various governments impact on health policy development

  • source how education of healthcare workers is provided in Australia.

    • Key words

  • Australia, health policy, population, healthcare worker, education provider

    • Chapter overview

    This chapter provides background to the text. The Australian population, legislative frameworks and policies, health challenges and health priorities are described. A profile of the health workforce in Australia is included.

    Background

    Australia is an ancient island continent covering 7 682 300 square kilometres (Australian Government, 2013b and is the world’s sixth largest country (Tourism Australia, 2013a). The traditional peoples of this land arrived approximately 50 000 years ago from South-East Asia during the last Ice Age (Tourism Australia, 2013b). These peoples dispersed across the land, adapting their ways of life to accommodate the bounty offered and developing unique languages and cultures (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2013a). The Indigenous peoples established tribal lands and trade partners with neighbouring groups. Kinship ties were formalised as members of the neighbouring groups established relationships that bound tribes and clans together (Indigenous Australia, 2013).

    Archaeological evidence suggests that the northern borders of Australia were regularly visited by traders from South-East Asia who contributed to the diversity of the Indigenous populations (ABS, 2013a). European sailors also visited Australia prior to Captain James Cook claiming Australia for England in 1778. Willem Janszoon travelled from Indonesia to Cape York Peninsula in 1606, and Dirk Hartog, another Dutch explorer, came ashore on the west coast of Australia in 1615 and probably interacted with local peoples. Hartog’s discovery of the ‘Great Southern Land’ led to its inclusion in world maps of the time and facilitated increased expeditions by other European sailors (Australian history, 2013).

Rural Nursing
  • The Australian Context
  • Karen Francis, Ysanne Chapman, Carmel Davies
  • Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014
  • The Australian rural environment is unique, diverse and challenging for nurses who are the most significant providers of health care in this context. Rural Nursing: The Australian Context provides readers with an understanding of the knowledge and skills required to practise in rural locations and communities. This book includes chapters on pregnancy, parenting, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, ageing and mental health. It examines rurality, population and health demographics, and the different practice opportunities available in rural settings. The authors outline the importance of having well-established professional networks and encourage readers to develop practice skills in response to a particular community. Each chapter features a vignette, reflective questions and a list of websites for further reading. Written by a team of academics and practising rural nurses, Rural Nursing will equip nursing students with the confidence to provide high-quality health care in a range of practice settings.

  • 3 - Understanding the community

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 34-45

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • describe the features of a community profile and identify sources of data to inform this process

  • critically examine issues of access and equity in respect of health services

  • identify the information needed to inform prospective community planning

  • discuss the concept of burden of disease

  • appreciate the impact of contemporary communication systems on health outcomes.

    • Key words

  • Burden of disease, community profile, rural communities, rural nursing, midwifery

    • Chapter overview

    Working effectively in any community requires understanding of the community. Such an understanding can be obtained through knowing the population demographics, resources and assets of that community. Together, these features make up a community profile that forms the basis for planning to address the burden of disease and inequity in health outcomes and accessibility to services in rural and remote areas. This chapter provides details of methods for building a community profile in which rural nurses and midwives work.

    Community profile

    A community profile is a summary of the community that is inclusive of the population, assets, resources and trends (social, political and economic) that provide baseline data (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2013b). These data provide the context for determining need, planning and assessing the impact of proposed initiatives (New Forest District Council, 2013). The community profile is harnessed by drawing on primary data that are generated through observations, stakeholder interviews, surveys, an inventory of services and facilities, and secondary data sources such as reports produced by local councils, businesses, the ABS census, workforce/labour and housing data, newspapers and other media communications (Community profiling, 2004; New Forest District Council, 2013). These data must be collated in a manner that is informative and useful. Developing community profiles is an iterative process that allows for new information to be included as it is isolated (Francis, Chapman, Hoare & Birks, 2013).

  • 5 - Pregnancy, paternity and parenting in rural communities

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 65-85

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • identify the unique needs of rural families in accessing health care

  • describe normal pregnancy care and recognise the importance of involving fathers in pregnancy and parenting

  • discuss child and family health, including immunisation targets

  • recognise vulnerable groups and specific care needs

  • identify the needs of children exposed to life-limiting illnesses.

    • Key words

  • Pregnancy care, paternal role, immunisation, life-limiting illness, vulnerable groups

    • Chapter overview

    This chapter provides a snapshot of rural health care from the perspective of young families. It captures pregnancy care models, involvement of fathers in birthing and caring roles, the promotion of health and wellbeing in children, identification of vulnerable groups, and the support of children with life-limiting illnesses.

    Introduction

    Healthcare access and equity continue to be significant issues for rural Australians, particularly for women and their young families. The centralisation of services to regional, urban and metropolitan areas has led to enforced travel to access health care or, alternatively, reliance on intermittent outreach services to outlying communities. Thus, the health and wellbeing of this rural cohort require special consideration to ensure optimum health outcomes. Health service and professional regulatory authority reforms highlighted in previous chapters pose issues for rural nurses who are also midwives and for those who hold midwifery-only qualifications; these are further discussed in this chapter.

    Pregnancy

    In 2009, the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer, Rosemary Bryant, led a review of maternity services on behalf of the Federal Government. Subsequently, Improving Maternity Services in Australia: The Report of the Maternity Services Review was released following extensive consultation (Commonwealth of Australia, 2009). All contributors acknowledged that ‘safe, high-quality and accessible cared based on informed choice must be the goal’ (p. iii), with these factors being central to future policy development and implementation.

  • 10 - Conducting research in rural contexts

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 159-175

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • discuss various reasons for implementing research

  • describe the research process

  • identify methods for data generation and collection

  • list strategies for dissemination of research findings

  • discuss the implications of research for rural nursing practice.

    • Key words

  • Research, methodology, methods, dissemination, rural nursing and midwifery

    • Chapter overview

    It is fitting that a chapter of this book considers the place of research in rural nursing. Research in health disciplines potentiates quality in healthcare delivery and can introduce new and effective evidence-based practices, consider the success and usefulness of health policies, or describe and comment on clients’ or patients’ experiences of particular phenomena. Initiating research may at times seem an overwhelming venture, and we hope this chapter will provide some insights into how to start. The authors have used a research study they undertook in 2007 with three other colleagues on overseas trained nurses’ experiences in rural settings as an exemplar to illustrate the approaches adopted to ask and answer questions of practice (Francis, Chapman, Doolan, Sellick & Barnett, 2008).

    Introduction

    Enquiry – asking questions of practice

    Good research stems from a well-designed and articulated research proposal. The proposal is a snapshot that captures the depth and breadth of the research study and provides a frame of reference as researchers progress the research. Without a robust proposal, research can be fragmented, tangential or may never come to fruition. Initial ideas about a research project can be captured on a one-page document and diagram. This summary can be used to ‘sell’ the research idea to collaborators and provide a template to develop a proposal (see Figure 10.1).

  • 11 - Conclusion

  • Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University, Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
  • Book:
    Rural Nursing
    Published online:
    06 August 2018
    Print publication:
    22 August 2014, pp 176-184

  • Summary

    Learning objectives

    On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • discuss the implications for nursing practice in rural and remote Australia

  • describe the diversity of populations who reside in rural and remote Australia

  • appreciate the common health challenges of rural people at each stage of the lifespan

  • identify strategies for securing a sustainable nursing and midwifery workforce for rural and remote practice

  • isolate future opportunities for nurses and midwives working in rural and remote practice settings.

    • Key words

  • Rural and remote populations, culture, health status, nursing and midwifery, research

    • Chapter overview

    The final chapter provides a précis of the book content followed by concluding remarks on the future of rural communities, the health workforce, and challenges and opportunities for nurses and midwives who wish to practise and advance their careers in rural settings.

    Introduction

    Understanding the nature and character of rural Australia and of the people who live there is a prerequisite for anyone contemplating practice in these contexts. The vastness of the land and the diversity of the populations who reside in it are reflective of the opportunities available. Nurses and midwives are the largest group of health professionals and the most evenly distributed throughout Australia (Francis & Mills, 2011; Health Workforce Australia [HWA], 2012). The contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of rural Australians is significant. Choosing to work in rural and remote Australia is a wise career option that affords opportunities to extend and advance practice that impacts positively on individuals, groups and communities.

Ethics and Law for Australian Nurses
  • Kim Atkins, Sheryl de Lacey, Bonnie Britton
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    25 August 2011
  • Nursing is a profession that encompasses a huge diversity of practices and practice settings, but the aim of nursing practice remains the same: to support and promote the health and well-being of human persons. Ethics and Law for Australian Nurses is an integrated and coherent textbook that allows students to understand the mutual relationship between the legal and ethical frameworks of nursing practice. The text considers two key concepts to understanding the relation of ethics and law to the practice of nursing: the idea of human vulnerability and respect for persons. Through understanding ethics and law in terms of vulnerability and respect, this text provides a fresh understanding of the ethical and legal aspects of committing and witnessing errors in nursing practice. Many varied case studies and practical examples are used throughout to aid students' understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities of nurses.

  • 1 - Understanding the human person

  • Kim Atkins, University of Tasmania, Sheryl de Lacey, Flinders University of South Australia, Bonnie Britton, University of Tasmania
  • Book:
    Ethics and Law for Australian Nurses
    Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    25 August 2011, pp 7-32

  • Summary

    LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    In this chapter, you will:

    • Develop your appreciation of the complexity of the concept of ‘person’

    • Develop your understanding of ‘personhood’ as a relation between biological, interpersonal and social aspects of a human being

    • Develop an understanding of human vulnerability, and how this makes possible the capacity to care for each other

    • Gain a sense of the ways in which your beliefs about yourself affect your capacity to care for yourself and others

    In 2004, the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, Alistair Nicholson, made a determination that a 13-year-old child (known as Alex) could proceed with medical treatment that would permanently change that child's gender from female to male. Justice Nicholson noted that Alex had the physical appearance of a girl and normal female chromosomes, but had a ‘longstanding, unwavering and present identification as male’ (Re Alex [2004] FamCA 297, para 80).

    In coming to a coherent determination of what was in Alex's best interests, Justice Nicholson gave due consideration to Alex's personal and family history; Alex's subjective perception of his situation; the nature of Alex's relationships with family and friends; and the relevant scientific and medical information pertaining to Alex's mental, physical and sexual health.

    Experiences such as Alex's raise questions about the nature of human identity:

    • What is the connection between the physical body and a person's psychological outlook?

    • What part do early life experiences play in shaping a personality?

    • What part do social influences play in shaping a personality?

    • Is there an essential defining quality that all persons share?

    • Is there a proper or an improper way to be a male or female?

    • Where do we get our ideas about persons and gender, as well as what is proper or improper?

    As a nurse, you will be called upon to support, care for and protect people who are vastly different from yourself. How you respond to the diversity of human beings will be a measure of your own humanity as well as your professionalism. Certainly, caring does not come as easily to some nurses as it does to others. After all, it is not always pleasant being around incapacitated, sick or grieving people. So why do people want to support the ill or incapacitated? What is it about human nature that causes people to care for each other at all?

Page 56 of 73