Developing support for remote nursing education through workplace culture that values learning.
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.
Gibb
Heather
H
Mid Western Area and Macquarie Area Health Services, New South Wales 2795. hgibb@csu.edu.au
Anderson
Judith
J
Forsyth
Katreena
K
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*