Nurse‐Surgeons’ Experiences Working in the Australian Public Health System: A Qualitative Exploration

TL;DR

This study explores the experiences of nurse-surgeons in Australia, identifying barriers and facilitators to their integration in the healthcare system.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into the role of nurse-surgeons and offers recommendations for improving their integration.

Findings

Positive supervisor relationships and collaboration facilitated nurse-surgeons' integration.

Barriers included geographical limitations, obstructive medical associations, and financial challenges.

Findings suggest the need for standardized credentialing and policy changes to support nurse-surgeons.

Abstract

To explore the experiences and perceptions of nurse‐surgeons practicing in the Australian public health system.

Nurse‐surgeons occupy a unique and innovative role within perioperative healthcare, yet their integration is often complex and underexplored in the existing literature.

This qualitative study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist of the EQUATOR Network, involving five semistructured interviews analysed inductively through a reflexive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the study.

Participant interactions with supervisors were positive, while relationships with other nurses and physicians evolved from initial antagonism to mutual recognition of value. Facilitators for integration included awareness of the role, collaboration, a standardised national credentialing pathway and government involvement. The barriers consisted of geographical limitations, obstructive medical associations, financial challenges, tall poppy syndrome within nursing and a superiority complex among physicians.

The study offers valuable insights into the nurse‐surgeons’ experiences and perceptions, highlighting essential barriers and facilitators to their integration in the healthcare system.

Findings may guide healthcare institutions in fostering collaborative interprofessional interactions and implementing standardised credentialing pathways for nurse‐surgeons.

The insights may inform nursing associations and government bodies in addressing systemic barriers and advocating for policy changes to enhance surgical delivery in Australia and globally.

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