Complexity Compression in Rural Nursing

Authors

  • Maura Conaty Schlairet Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Mercer University 3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v17i2.445

Abstract

A large and increasing body of literature suggests nurses face mounting production pressure related to complexity of patients, systems, and escalating demands from both. This phenomenon is identified as complexity compression and describes an experience wherein nurses are expected to take on additional, unplanned responsibilities while simultaneously satisfying existing responsibilities in a condensed timeframe. Rural nursing practice appears as a fitting example of doing more and doing differently in a time-pressured environment. However, the phenomenon of complexity compression has yet to be discussed specifically in relation to rural nursing or from the lens of a rural nursing theory. Conceptualization of complexity compression in rural nursing through use of theory may help redefine the true nature of rural nursing practice and promote discussion and collaboration among nurses, administrators, educators, and policy makers in creation of better rural work environments, improved educational opportunities for rural nurses, and robust healthcare outcomes for rural populations.

Keywords: Complexity Compression, Conceptualization, Theory, Rural Nursing

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v17i2.445

Author Biography

  • Maura Conaty Schlairet, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Mercer University 3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341

    Maura C. Schlairet, EdD, MA, MSN, RN, CNL

    Associate Professor of Nursing

    Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

    3001 Mercer University Drive

    Atlanta, GA 30341

    678.547.6745 (office)

    schlairet_mc@mercer.edu

     

Downloads

Published

2017-05-11

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share (for non-commerical purposes) the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).