Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care 

About: Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care is an academic journal published by Rural Nurse Organization. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Health care & Rural area. It has an ISSN identifier of 1539-3399. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 325 publications have been published receiving 2622 citations. The journal is also known as: On-line journal of rural nursing & health care & RNO.

Resilience in older adults living in rural, suburban, and urban areas

Abstract: Background: Possessing high levels of resilience may be one factor that helps older adults adjust to the hardships associated with aging. Residing in a rural, urban, or suburban location may impact the resilience level of older adults.Purpose: First, to determine if resilience levels vary in older adults living in rural, urban, or suburban areas. Second, to determine if the relationships of socio-demographic factors (age, income, education, marital and employment status), social networks, health status, and resilience vary with the location in which older adults live.Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 277 registered voters aged 65 years or over who lived in rural, suburban, or urban locations in New York State. The instruments used were the Resilience Scale, the SF-12v2, and the Lubben Social Network Scale-revised.Results: No differences were found in resilience levels across the three locations. In regression analysis, stronger family networks, lower household income, and good mental and physical health status were found to be significantly associated with high resilience levels.Conclusion: The location in which older adults reside did not affect resilience levels. Strong social ties and good mental and physical health were associated with resilience. The surprising association with resilience was low income. Mental health status was most strongly associated with resilience in older adults. Screening older adults for resilience levels and intervening when low levels are identified by implementing strategies to build resilience may be clinically relevant; however further research is needed.

Social Support and Health Promotion Lifestyles of Rural Women

Abstract: Health promotion is presently receiving increased attention regarding the prominent role it plays in the health care arena. The purpose of the study is to ascertain if a relationship exists between social support and health promotion lifestyles of rural women. The organizing framework for the descriptive correlational study is Pender’s (1996) revised Health Promotion Model. The study participants are 400 women whose names were obtained by a simple, random sampling of the voter registration list of a rural county in a southeastern state responding to questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data strongly supported Pender’s (1996) Health Promotion Model and the significant role that social support plays in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations for further research include examining the relationship of social support and health promotion lifestyles with rural non-Caucasian women, replication of the study using participants who live in rural counties farther from metropolitan areas, and intervention development which may further enhance social support and health promoting lifestyles. Keywords: health promotion, social support, rural women, healthy lifestyle, rural health, health promoting lifestyle, rural, health, health responsibility, healthy behaviors http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v1i1.501

Who Stays in Rural Nursing Practice? An International Review of the Literature on Factors Influencing Rural Nurse Retention

Abstract: This paper explores factors that influence rural nurse retention. A comprehensive literature review was used to highlight, examine and evaluate studies that identify factors, including personal characteristics and experiences, in relation to rural nurse retention and job satisfaction. The findings from the literature review suggest rural nurse retention is influenced by level of job satisfaction. The findings also suggest factors, including personal characteristics and experiences, influence job satisfaction. The literature review findings further indicate factors, including personal characteristics and experiences, affect the duration of rural nurse practice. The current rural nursing retention strategies in British Columbia are explored. Based on the findings from the literature review, detailed recommendations for future research and recommendations for rural nursing retention strategies are made. The concepts identified inform health human resources retention strategies, specifically nursing retention in rural areas.

Healthy Aging in Place: Supporting Rural Seniors’ Health Needs

Abstract: Purpose To examine the key determinants that support healthy aging in rural communities. Sample Forty- two participants aged 65 and older were recruited from two rural communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Methods Using an ethnographic methodological approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews, field notes and participant observation notes. Cantor’s (1989) Social Care Model was used as the theoretical framework for exploring the supports that facilitate rural healthy aging. Findings Healthy aging among rural seniors extends significantly beyond access to physicians and formal health care. Eight key themes related to healthy aging were identified: housing; transportation; healthcare; finances; care giving; falls; rural communities; and support systems. Conclusions While there is evidence of poor health among rural seniors, little research has examined healthy aging or the determinants that facilitate healthy aging in rural communities. In addressing rural seniors’ health needs, this study provides a fundamental basis for developing effective interventions and innovative public policy options to support rural healthy aging. Keywords: Rural Health, Social Support, Rural Aging, Public Policy, Disparities

Testing rural nursing theory: perceptions and needs of service providers

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to validate concepts from rural nursing theory (Long & Weinert, 1989) by exploring the health perceptions and needs of rural adults employed in service industries and living in communities of less than 1,500 persons. Thirty-eight adults in eleven rural communities participated in interviews asking questions about their health and how they responded to their own illnesses and injuries. Naturalistic inquiry using field research techniques was the method used for the study. Four major themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: definition of health, distance and access to resources, the symptom-action-time line process, and choice. For these participants, being healthy meant being able to function whether at work or play. Distance was a major part of their lives, particularly in accessing prescription medications, health care specialists and emergency care. The symptom-action-time-line process was evident in seeking care for illness and injury. A previously unidentified theme in the rural nursing theory was the concept of choice, choice of residence and choice of health care providers (HCP). Participants chose to live in rural communities because of family ties; others had moved in from other states or, having moved to a more densely populated area, chose to return. Choice of HCP was dependent on availability of resources, time of day, weather conditions, and knowledge of the available quality of care. Implications for practice and recommendations for research and rural nursing theory development are discussed.