Publishing Rural Nurse Stories in a Book Has Impact

Abstract

Purpose: Does collecting and publishing rural nurse stories have impact? This article evaluates the impact of the design and content of a rural book capturing rural nurse stories across Aotearoa New Zealand. Did reading the book alter reader perception of rural nursing or have wider effects? Sample: Readers of a narrative book including rural nurses’ stories and imagery from across Aotearoa New Zealand were invited to complete a survey of their impressions. There were 42 responses received, a 22 per cent response rate. Of these, four did not read the book, leaving 38 responses for analysis of impact. These included seven of the original nurse storytellers, other nurses, and non-nurses. Method: The primary method was a survey of recipients of the book. This included quantitative demographic data and qualitative open question responses. Surveys were sent via email using Qualtrics with a link for completion with two automated reminders. Findings: Reading and viewing the narratives in this book impacted positively on nurses and non-nurses’ awareness of the breadth and complexity of rural nurse practice in Aotearoa New