The Influence of Connection on Early Career Nurses' Rural Experiences: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Introduction. Rural nursing careers offer a multitude of benefits for individuals. Despite this, there continues to be a growing deficit in the number of nurses choosing to practice in rural areas. As the first 12-18 months of a nursing career are fundamental in shaping career location decisions, it is important to explore factors that influence early career nurses' employment decisions. Methods. A phenomenological study was undertaken to explore early career nurses' experiences during their first year of rural practice and describe how the nurses' experiences influenced their decision to remain in rural employment. Data were collected via semistructured interviews and underwent inductive thematic analysis. Results. Seven early career nurses practicing in rural locations were interviewed and described several influences on their career location decisions, particularly related to whether they would stay in or leave their rural employer. The themes derived from the nurses' stories included the effect of their vulnerability entering a new workplace, the importance of connection to person, place, and profession and the nuances of rural nursing rhythms. These had implications on their employment decisions. Conclusion. This research demonstrates the distinct form of nursing practice that occurs in rural areas which was experienced by the early career nurses as a breadth of skills, volume of presentations, and continuity of care. The nurses described the importance of establishing connections to person, place, and their profession. These connections can support nurses through a period of vulnerability entering a new workplace.