Purpose: This study was done to learn from the development of rural health nursing in developed countries. Method: A literature search was done using keywords such as “rural and nursing” or “rural and health” from the database CHINAL and website of institutions related to rural health and nursing. Results: In Australia, the type of rural health institution was categorized according to the population size and nursing service was done differently according to area. It is unique to Canada to have the Canadian Association of Rural and Remote Nursing, which published the survey report “the Nature of Nursing Practice in Rural and Remote Canada”. In the U.S., the role of nurse practitioners in rural communities was relatively well developed and a diverse nursing care model was demonstrated. To improve health care access in rural communities, financial and political support by the governments has been part of long-term plans in the three countries. Conclusion: It is very informative to identity the difference and similarity in rural health nursing in three developed countries. For the future development of Korean rural nursing, suggestion can be made in terms of research, education and policy development.