Practical Abilities Expected of New Public Health Nurses

Analysis of Interviews with Managerial-Level Public Health Nurses in Municipalities in Prefecture A

Abstract

Purposes: To clarify practical abilities expected of new public health nurses (PHNs) by managerial-level PHNs in municipalities.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight managerial-level PHNs in municipalities in Prefecture A who provided cooperation through an open recruitment process. Responses collected were analyzed qualitatively and descriptively, focusing on practical abilities expected of new PHNs.

Results: 88 codes were extracted and grouped into 13 subcategories and four categories: 1) promoting smooth communication within organizations; 2) working with motivation and a positive attitude; 3) providing support proactively by anticipating community needs based on lifestyle; and 4) engaging with stakeholders in activities based on community characteristics. (1) and (2) are basic skills for working in society and organizations and (3) and (4) are abilities in forming a foundation as a PHN.

Discussion: The results suggest that new PHNs must be able to form a foundation to develop community activities, building on basic skills for working in society and organizations. This is mainly in terms of attitude and behavior, and they must be made aware of this in basic nursing education. We reconfirmed the need to expand from individual support in basic PHN education to understanding the community and developing activities based on needs. This suggests enhancing education programs to encourage PHNs to ask questions, think for themselves and take initiative. We believe it is necessary for educational institutions to share information with administrative PHNs so they can understand what is required of new PHNs and provide basic education and achievement goals.