The Value of Rural Isolated Practice Endorsed Registered Nurses in a Small Rural Health Service

Abstract

Three Registered Nurses (RN’s) undertook training and commenced practice as Rural Isolated Practice Endorsed Registered Nurses (RIPERNs) in a small rural Victorian health service, Australia. This advanced practice role is new to the health service and allows RIPERN’s to undertake some procedures usually performed by medical practitioners. As a form of evaluation, interviews were conducted with seven General Practitioners (GP’s) who have admitting privileges at the health service and three RIPERN’s who had commenced the extended scope of practice role.

Data was analysed and findings revealed strong benefits from the perspective of the GP’s and the RIPERN’s. These benefits included overall improved work-life balance for the GP’s, increased confidence and capabilities for the RIPERN’s and overall perceived improvement in the delivery of services at this small rural health service. Negative findings included misconceptions about the RIPERN extended scope of practice and increased demands experienced by RIPERN’s.