Self-Care for Advanced Practice Nursing Students in Rural Primary Care

Abstract

Background: Advanced practice RNs (APRNs) working in rural primary care provide a spectrum of health care needs that can lead to professional burnout. As a preventative for burnout, the Institute of Medicine developed a strategy focused on self-care. Understanding the importance of self-care as a preventive for building professional resilience to manage workplace stressors during students' academic years may improve retention. Method: Twenty-two APRN students participated in a rural primary care immersion course with a specific component on self-care. Preand postsurveys, student journaling, class discussions, and a posttraining focus group were used to assess students' progress. Results: Students reported strengthening patient and team relationships, enhanced interpersonal communication, and increased self-awareness of stressors for managing their emotions. These self-imposed processes improved student confidence, job satisfaction, and workplace resilience. Conclusion: Heath-promoting behaviors via self-care during APRN students' formal education may assist them in their clinical practice as rural primary care providers. [ J Nurs Educ . 2022;61(4):187–191.]