Kenny Amanda J, Duckett Stephen
Department of Nursing, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
J Adv Nurs. 2005 Feb;49(4):423-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03306.x.
This paper reports the findings of a study exploring the reasons why rural Enrolled Nurses have chosen to convert to level 1 of the nursing register.
Whilst the Project 2000: A New Preparation for Practice report resulted in the cessation of second level or Enrolled Nurse training in the United Kingdom, Australia has continued to educate enrolled nurses. Currently Australia is facing critical shortages of level 1 nurses and nowhere is this more acute than in rural areas. There are indications that there are large numbers of rural Enrolled Nurses who are interested in 'converting' from level 2 to level 1 of the nursing register.
Using a computer program that facilitates engagement and interaction, an 'online' focus group was conducted with 38 Enrolled Nurses undertaking a conversion programme at a rural university in Victoria, Australia. During a period of 2 months the Enrolled Nurses participated in a discussion focusing on their reasons for undertaking a conversion programme. Their responses were categorized into five interrelated broad themes.
These Enrolled Nurses suggested that disillusionment with their role and role ambiguity were the primary reasons for their decision to undertake a conversion programme. All participants suggested that their scope of practice as an Enrolled Nurse is significantly broadened in rural areas. They argued that, following conversion, they are in an ideal position to manage the diversity of rural nursing practice.
In Australia, Enrolled Nurse conversion has the potential to ease some of the workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas. By supporting Enrolled Nurses to undertake conversion programmes, rural areas may benefit from having nurses with the knowledge and skills to deal with the rural environment.
本文报告了一项研究的结果，该研究探讨了农村注册护士选择转换至护士注册一级水平的原因。
虽然《2000计划：新的实践准备》报告导致英国停止了二级或注册护士培训，但澳大利亚仍在继续培养注册护士。目前，澳大利亚正面临一级护士的严重短缺，这在农村地区尤为严重。有迹象表明，大量农村注册护士有兴趣从注册护士二级水平“转换”至一级水平。
利用一个促进参与和互动的计算机程序，对澳大利亚维多利亚州一所农村大学参加转换课程的38名注册护士进行了一次“在线”焦点小组访谈。在两个月的时间里，这些注册护士参与了一场关于他们参加转换课程原因的讨论。他们的回答被归类为五个相互关联的宽泛主题。
这些注册护士表示，对自身角色的幻灭感和角色模糊是他们决定参加转换课程的主要原因。所有参与者都表示，他们作为注册护士的实践范围在农村地区得到了显著拓宽。他们认为，转换之后，他们处于管理农村护理实践多样性的理想位置。
在澳大利亚，注册护士转换有可能缓解一些劳动力短缺问题，尤其是在农村地区。通过支持注册护士参加转换课程，农村地区可能会受益于拥有具备应对农村环境知识和技能的护士。
