Geographical variations in cancer nursing education and practice across Australia: A cross-sectional study

IF 1.6 4区医学 Q2 NURSING Collegian Pub Date : 2024-06-26 DOI:10.1016/j.colegn.2024.06.001

Elizabeth Moore , Natalie Williams , Karen Taylor , Deborah Kirk , Gemma McErlean , Olivia Cook , Lucy Gent , Theresa Beane , Jemma Still , Erin Pitt , Leanne Monterosso , Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins , Natalie Bradford , on behalf of the CNSA

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Abstract

Problem

Patients and health systems rely on a skilled and available cancer nursing workforce to deliver quality nursing care to optimise cancer outcomes. Understanding the education, qualifications, and roles of cancer nurses across Australia is an essential aspect of effective service planning.

Aim

To explore the associations between the geographical location of cancer nurses and their education, qualifications, roles, activities, and scope of practice.

Methods

A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed through the Cancer Nurses Society Australia membership and social media platforms from October 2021 to February 2022. The self-report survey captured demographics, education, qualifications, roles, scope of practice, and salary. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to summarise and report the findings.

Findings

Responses were received from 930 nurses. Most identified as female (94%), lived in metropolitan areas (69%), worked in dedicated cancer centres (79%), and in the public sector (69%). While 80% had more than 10 years of nursing experience and 70% possessed postgraduate qualifications, 58% indicated their intention to remain in the profession for 10 years or less. Roles, pay, education, and activities varied across regions, states, and territories, with regional nurses more likely to be involved in multiple activities and roles compared with their metropolitan counterparts.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of understanding geographic variations within the cancer nursing workforce to formulate strategies aimed at enhancing workforce sustainability and, consequently, patient outcomes. Addressing disparities in education and opportunities for career advancement is crucial to ensuring equitable access to quality cancer care nationwide.

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澳大利亚癌症护理教育和实践的地域差异：横断面研究

问题患者和医疗系统都需要一支技术熟练、可用的癌症护理队伍来提供优质护理服务，以优化癌症治疗效果。了解澳大利亚各地癌症护士的教育、资质和角色是有效服务规划的一个重要方面。Aim To explore the associations between the geographical location of cancer nurses and their education, qualifications, roles, activities, and scope of practice.MethodsA cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed through the Cancer Nurses Society Australia membership and social media platforms from October 2021 to February 2022.方法在2021年10月至2022年2月期间，通过澳大利亚癌症护士协会会员和社交媒体平台进行横向电子调查。自我报告调查包括人口统计学、教育、资质、角色、执业范围和薪资。我们使用了描述性统计和双变量分析来总结和报告调查结果。大多数人认为自己是女性（94%），居住在大都市地区（69%），在专门的癌症中心工作（79%），在公共部门工作（69%）。虽然 80% 的人有 10 年以上的护理经验，70% 的人拥有研究生学历，但 58% 的人表示他们打算在护理行业工作 10 年或更短时间。不同地区、州和领地的护士在角色、薪酬、教育和活动方面各不相同，与大都市的护士相比，地区护士更有可能参与多种活动并扮演多种角色。解决教育和职业发展机会方面的差异对于确保全国范围内公平获得优质癌症护理服务至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Collegian NURSING-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

127

审稿时长

72 days

期刊介绍： Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research is the official journal of Australian College of Nursing (ACN). The journal aims to reflect the broad interests of nurses and the nursing profession, and to challenge nurses on emerging areas of interest. It publishes research articles and scholarly discussion of nursing practice, policy and professional issues. Papers published in the journal are peer reviewed by a double blind process using reviewers who meet high standards of academic and clinical expertise. Invited papers that contribute to nursing knowledge and debate are published at the discretion of the Editor. The journal, online only from 2016, is available to members of ACN and also by separate subscription. ACN believes that each and every nurse in Australia should have the opportunity to grow their career through quality education, and further our profession through representation. ACN is the voice of influence, providing the nursing expertise and experience required when government and key stakeholders are deciding the future of health.