Abstract
Purpose: To clarify the support skills provided by public health nurses (PHNs) to assist residents living in poverty in welfare centers. Methods: Study participants were four highly experienced PHNs working at four welfare centers. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews and observations during study periods. PHNs were asked about the nursing which they provided for case works. In addition, they were also asked about their work except for case work at the welfare centers. The interview transcripts and observations were analyzed qualitatively and inductively. Results: The six categories of support skills which PHNs provided for case work were described, including, Building trust through nursing, Nurturing self-esteems, Nurturing life-skills and self-care abilities, Dealing with emergency, and Supporting normal lives in the community. Four categories that comprise the nursing support skills except for case work which were utilized by PHNs in the welfare center were created. These included Enhancing mutual understanding between Case workers and PHNs in moderation, Enhancing the abilities of Case Workers and PHNs in moderation, Extension on the subjects of welfare and health care, and Building systems for continuation of normal lives in the community. Discussion: The attributes of PHNs' support skills are described as sensitivity about the subculture of poverty, nurturing future-oriented practice and its value in both health centers and welfare centers, and centering social justice on the support skills in the welfare center. These support skills would be utilized for not only for households on welfare but also various residents living in poverty and with health problems.
