141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

278213
Extreme nursing: Qualities and attributes of long-term retained nurses in Bristol Bay Alaska

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 5:10 PM - 5:30 PM

Maria Gilson deValpine, RN MSN PhD , Department of Nursing, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Background: The profession of nursing is grounded in principles of social justice and service to vulnerable populations yet there is a longstanding extreme shortage of nurses in remote settings, particularly in Alaska. Recruitment is difficult and expensive. Living conditions are primitive, social amenities few, and turnover rates very high. The common wisdom holds that nurses who come are “either running away from, or searching for something.” And yet there are nurses who come, practice, and stay to become influential community members. This study explores the qualities and attributes of nurses who settled and stayed in this very remote, underserved region. Methods: The study entailed use of a semi-structured interview of 10 of 14 nurses living in Bristol Bay, Alaska, for at least 15 years, in 2012. Nurses were selected from a small population known to the principle investigator and “snowball” selection thereafter. Transcribed interviews were analyzed for content and themes. Results: Analysis revealed this sample of nurses to have a strong sense of adventure, an independent attitude associated with family growth and development, and positive views, although often negative experiences, of Native Alaskan culture and institutions. Motivations for moving to or staying in bush Alaska did not specifically include the practice of nursing in this setting. Conclusions: This study will inform recruitment and retention practices in remote settings among vulnerable populations, as well as ensure these unique nurses' stories are preserved and told.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related nursing

Learning Objectives:
Describe the qualities of long-term retained nurses in very remote settings

Keywords: Public Health Nursing, Workforce

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I performed the research and analysis that is the subject of this presentation.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.