Distance difficulties

Abstract

WELL WRITTEN, THIS BOOK shows that two of the most vulnerable groups from either side of the health agenda are at risk. Cramer has identified the professional and personal risks of the health professionals who provide health services to Australia?s most disadvantaged group. In providing service, nurses are put into some of the most difficult situations and have to cope with added stress of providing health care that is outside their training and professional dimensions. Decision making is made difficult by having little or no health history; language barriers; and poor communication with the support service. Prevention and maintenance services are poorly delivered because of lack of time and resources. Visiting medical officers only have enough time to see acute patients, and review of medication is not done. To add to this predicament, the nurses have to contend with a very mobile community, unable to provide payment and fulfil other commitments of the client. Their workload and expected duties are not always appreciated by management and other support services. Where there should be two registered nurses, only one is employed. They often have to travel long distances to follow up clients, be on duty for long hours, or participate in community discussions outside the clinic times. The nurses who continue to work in isolated Aboriginal communities are special and over time have developed their practice. The question is, is it best practice or more an ad hoc practice? Nurses in remote areas work under stressful work and living conditions and continue to provide the only health service for the community, if they don?t give up and leave. Nursing in remote Aboriginal communities is not romantic or exotic, but can be rewarding for some of the nurses. This book should be read by all health care professionals, especially those considering working in rural or remote areas.