Career planning and development needs of rural and remote nurses

• Published in: Journal of Research in Nursing
• Main Author: Hall, Linda McGillis
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2008
• Subjects: Research and Theory; Canada; inuit
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1744987107083544; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1744987107083544

The overall purpose of this study was to examine the career planning and development needs of registered nurses (RNs) working in native reserves and in Inuit communities in rural and remote areas of Ontario, Canada. A total of 142 surveys were sent out, and 68 questionnaires were returned for an overall response rate of 48%. Nurses are adept at scanning the work environment, conducting self-assessments and reality checks of their workplace. At the same time, they require further direction in developing a career vision and understanding their future career options. The research provides evidence that career planning may contribute to nursing retention.