Exploring rural Nurses' preparedness and post-resuscitation experiences. An ethnographic study

AimThe focus of this paper is to provide a detailed ethnographic exploration of rural nurses' experiences of their resuscitation preparedness and the subsequent post-resuscitation period.DesignAn ethnographic study across two small rural hospital sites in New South Wales, Australia.MethodsFieldwork was undertaken between December 2020 and March 2022 and included over 240 h of nonparticipant observation, journalling and interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe first key theme-'Sense of Preparedness'-included three subthemes: 'Gaining experience', 'Issues with training and education' and 'Lack of warning'. The second key theme 'Aftermath' comprised two subthemes: 'Getting on with it' and 'Making sense of the resus'.ConclusionThis study has highlighted the intricate relationship between resuscitative preparedness and the post-resuscitation period in shaping rural nurse's experiences and their well-being. Rural nurses are asking for an authentic and contextually relevant training experience that mirrors the unique rural challenges they experience. In the absence of frequent resuscitation presentations, the post-resuscitation period should be viewed as a crucible moment that can be leveraged as a valuable learning opportunity enhancing rural nurses' sense of preparedness and the provision of quality resuscitation care.ImpactHaving a greater level of insight into the challenges that rural nurses experience in the pre- and post-resuscitation period is critical. This insight opens the door for fortifying policies and work processes that will better support rural nurses in the resuscitation environment.Reporting MethodReporting complied with COREQ criteria for qualitative research.No Patient or Public ContributionThis study explored the experiences of rural nurses. No patient data were collected.