|
| Summary of participants’ experiences |
|
| Sam’s story: |
| (i) Applied for new graduate program in rural area as heard positive stories from other student nurses about rural nursing, no family living in the area |
| (ii) Experienced “negative” work culture and limited clinical support. Did not experience a sense of belonging, inclusion, and connection at work and in the community |
| Outcome: relocated from the area where the new graduate program was completed and secured employment in an outer regional area |
|
| Alex’s story: |
| (i) Applied for new graduate program in rural area for experience and employment prospects, no family living in the rural area |
| (ii) Felt supported by senior nurses and team. Included and connected to people outside of work |
| Outcome: relocated back to major city area after completing the new graduate year to be with family |
|
| Darcy’s story: |
| (i) Applied for new graduate program in rural area as previously worked as an enrolled nurse there. Strong connection to the rural area and rural people. Family living in the area |
| (ii) Some feelings of being overwhelmed by the clinical work as a new graduate. Felt welcomed into the team and well supported |
| Outcome: despite an interest in relocating to work in a larger hospital, decided to stay in the rural area and consider relocating after 5 to 10 years |
|
| Charlie’s story: |
| (i) Applied for new graduate program in rural area as already residing there. Strong connection to the rural area and rural people. Family living in the area |
| (ii) Some challenges related to the COVID impact on work, including reduced access to study days and professional development. Felt welcomed into the team and well supported |
| Outcome: stayed in the rural area after new graduate year as felt familiar with the service and seeking job security |
|
| Kelly’s story: |
| (i) Applied for new graduate program as worked as an enrolled nurse there and felt supported by management. Strong connection to the area and rural people. Family living in the area |
| (ii) Some challenges related to the COVID impact on work, such as access to professional development. Felt supported at the service, attracted to the familiarity and flexibility of the service |
| Outcome: stayed working in the rural area after new graduate year for career and professional development opportunities, support from colleagues and the flexibility with family commitments |
|
| Riley’s story: |
| (i) Applied for new graduate year in Sydney and Melbourne as intended to move to city. Accepted new graduate offer in a rural area after being unsuccessful with first preference |
| (ii) Some challenges related to balancing shift work and social life. Felt welcome and supported, developed connections with colleagues and community. Enjoyed learning exposure, opportunity to be in charge |
| Outcome: stayed in the rural area after the new graduate year for financial, social, and lifestyle reasons |
|
| Jesse’s story: |
| (i) Applied for new graduate year in rural area as already residing there and hesitant to leave, family close by, strong connection to rural areas and people |
| (ii) Some challenges related to the COVID impact on work, adjusting to full time work and making connections with people due to age. Felt a sense of belonging and experienced a positive culture at work |
| Outcome: planned to stay in the rural area after new graduate year for support, connection with colleagues and community |
|
