Rural Nurse Practitioner Workforce Issues: Rural RNs as Potential Untapped Resource

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine rural nurse practitioner (NP) workforce issues and explore practicing rural registered nurses (RNs) as a potential untapped resource to address the rural primary care provider shortage. Sample:A purposeful and snowball sample of rural RNs, rural nurse practitioners, critical access hospital (CAH) administrators, and rural community residents from diverse geographical areas of Idaho, a rural, Western state, was utilized as the source of data.Methods: Twenty qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcript content was then analyzed for major thematic identification.Findings: Four major themes were identified through the data analysis process. "Need exists", "Money matters", "Relationships", and "It's just you" were the four major themes illustrated throughout the interview transcripts. Conclusions:Knowledge achieved from this study may be utilized to enhance supports and address barriers cited by rural RNs when considering pursuit of advanced degrees. Likewise, those factors identified by nurse practitioners as positive and challenging aspects of rural practice may