title: Developing support for remote nursing education through workplace culture that values learning.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study presents the cultural challenges of introducing workplace learning associated with a nursing educational pathway into small rural hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were conducted before and after an action research intervention to determine whether changes in understanding and values on learning had occurred.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight multipurpose services or small rural hospitals across rural New South Wales were involved in the intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nursing staff from eight rural health facilities participated voluntarily in the present study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two outcomes were achieved: The development of mentoring, locally tailored to the needs and expectations of nursing participants; Values and understanding of learning were enhanced, with advanced levels of learning being identified and demonstrated by staff in the practice setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small rural hospitals can provide opportunities for advanced clinical learning. Forms of major mentoring are, however, critical to this process.
authors.affiliation: Mid Western Area and Macquarie Area Health Services, New South Wales 2795. hgibb@csu.edu.au
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gibb
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Katreena
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Forsyth
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006302:Health Services Research; D006780:Hospitals, Rural / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D009743:Nursing, Practical / Q000193:education*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration*