---

The Washington Rural Nurse Internship is built upon the philosophical tenants: 1) Rural nursing is different from urban nursing therefore, newly hired employees should be taught by expert rural nurses 2) Travel for education is expensive therefore, employees should be taught in their own hospitals whenever possible. 3) If rural hospitals control clinical practice they can collaborate in a centralized education program leveraging resources.

The year long residency provides preceptors, mentors, monthly seminars, case studies, a workshop, databases with bedside information, and nurse specialist resources using the latest distance education technologies. The program focuses on crisis assessment and management skills in six nursing subspecialties to improve critical thinking. Newly hired nurses of less than one year from any rural hospital can participate in the program.

A study of critical access hospitals by the University of Washington (2004) found their most pressing problem was recruiting and retaining nurses. Most rural recruitment studies focus on physician needs. Research associated with this program includes the biophysical and sociopsychological stress of nursing practice, workplace characteristics, job satisfaction and program utilization.

Additional program outcomes include the development of one rural nurse competency skills checklist and meet to discuss cultural diversity needs and enhancement strategies. Interns receive career counseling, and guidance in rural community living.