2023 Volume 12 Issue 3 Pages 191-200
Objective: This study explored the opinions and ingenuity of public health nurses (PHNs) assigned to municipalities’ boards of welfare services. In particular, the goal is to capture the actual situation of PHNs and consider the current and future direction of PHNs’ roles and responsibilities.
Methods: Data were collected through surveys from 370 PHNs assigned to the board of welfare services in 791 municipalities across Japan. Respondents provided free-format responses, which were analyzed to assess their opinions regarding their work and the ingenuity displayed by PHNs. The survey items were categorized into two main areas: 1) opinions of their work and 2) ingenuity demonstrated by PHNs.
Results: The PHNs described vital support as the approach for the specific needs of helping individuals, among others. The PHNs’ opinion about their work was that they served individuals with urgent and complex problems. The PHNs planned their work with aims, directions, and priority decisions in mind.
Discussion: The PHNs assigned to the board of welfare services were recognized by the welfare administrative personnel for their high capabilities and skills in specialist team collaborations. Additionally, PHNs were inclined toward community development and creating an integrated community care system.
