A qualitative exploration of the factors which influence rural nursing and midwifery placement experience: Benefits and challenges identified by students and health service staff

Abstract

Background: Positive rural clinical experiences strongly correlate with future rural health career intention. It is therefore important to understand the factors which contribute to positive rural clinical placement experiences. Aims: To understand the benefits and challenges of rural nursing and midwifery placements for students, and to explore factors which influence positive clinical placement experiences. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the experiences and perspectives of nursing and midwifery students (n=17) and staff working at health services where students are placed (n=36). Data were subject to thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: variety of experiences in a rural health context; supervision and support; engaging with a rural community; placement type and duration influence on rural placement experience; and inspiring, reaffirming or challenging future rural career intentions. Conclusion: This study reiterates the importance of ensuring that students are actively engaged and supported during rural clinical placements to encourage students to consider future rural career pathways. The findings highlight the important role of education providers and health services in supporting student placement experiences to enable positive rural career intentions.