EXPLORING NURSING PRACTICE IN RURAL, REMOTE AND ISOLATED CONTEXTS

Abstract

Registered Nurses (RNs) work autonomously in an expanded scope of practice to provide primary care in rural, remote and isolated (RRI) areas. The mechanisms that regulate this expanded scope of practice have been largely unexplored. This research explores the expanded scope skills performed by RNs in RRI areas of British Columbia (BC) and the Yukon, the regulatory mechanisms governing these expanded scope skills, and provides a foundation for future research and policy development aimed at addressing the challenges faced by RNs in these settings. The findings suggest that nurses working within these contexts are knowledgeable and experienced in advanced skills that enable them to meet the broad range of health needs within their communities. However, both BC and Yukon cases revealed potential regulatory ambiguities. Yukon is currently undergoing health system and policy reform, which presents an opportunity for changes that could positively impact the professional regulation of nurses.