Showing papers by "Desley Hegney published in 2000"

Job satisfaction and nurses in rural Australia.

Abstract: As with many other countries, Australia is experiencing problems in recruitment and retention of registered nurses. The shortage of nurses and midwives is particularly evident in many rural and remote areas. Because of this shortage, at least two state governments have undertaken studies related to them. Using data derived from a national study of rural nurses, we discuss how job satisfaction may affect the recruitment and retention of rural nurses in Australia. Understanding what influences on-the-job satisfaction in rural and urban areas will assist health service managers to attract and retain nurses in rural and remote areas.

Gender roles and geographic location as predictors of emotional distress in australian women

Abstract: This paper examines the emotional distress of women in urban, rural and remote areas of Queensland. A randomised telephone survey of 394 women found that geographical location was not significantly related to perceptions of life quality or distress. Contrary to expectation, urbanisation and isolation were not significant predictors of mental health and factors other than geographical location appear more influential in determining people’s emotional wellbeing. One such factor, the gender role that women perceive themselves as fulfilling, was examined in this study and found to be significantly related to emotional distress. Women who saw their role as being submissive, dependent, gentle and timid reported significantly higher rates of distress and women perceiving themselves as bossy, rude and superior reported higher stress, irrespective of where they lived. Scores for the positive gender role of being sensitive, emotional and responsible grew significantly higher as the respondents became more rural/remote. Conversely, scores in the bossy, rude and superior domain were significantly higher in urban areas. This paper discusses the limitations of health research using global urban/rural classification schemes based on size of town or distance from major centres. There is mounting evidence that geographically based classification schemes are essentially minimalist and that more complex grouping variables such as gender role need to be identified.

The perceptions of rural nurses towards role change within the context of organisational change.

Abstract: This paper, derived from The role and function of the rural nurse in Australia study, describes the effects of organisational change upon the rural nurses participating in the study. It appears that whilst change is an inevitable and regular feature of rural health service delivery, it does not necessarily benefit rural nurses or communities for reasons unique to rural life. Nurses in the study responded positively to organisational change when it was congruent with the rural norms of community consultation and collaboration, or when it ensured the long-term viability of the health service. They responded negatively to organisational change that caused role overload, role conflict or role insecurity, particularly when they perceived they had little control over the change process. This paper emphasises the need for nurses to actively participate in the change processes affecting their livelihood and their communities.