Initiatives of Supervising Public Health Nurses to Effectively Assume Their Overall Roles within the Organization

Abstract

Objective: The study aim was to clarify the initiatives exhibited by supervising public health nurses to effectively assume their supervisory roles within the organization.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight public health nurses who supervised other public health nurses within the past year. A qualitative descriptive analysis was performed.

Results: Public health nurse supervisors were required to “solidify the foundation of the functional role of public health nurse supervisors” and “foster an environment in which all public health nurses can work.” To serve as a model for junior public health nurses who will lead in the future, we intended to “clarify what public health nurse supervisors aim to be,” identify employees who can assume the role of public health nurse supervisors, as well as “identify and encourage the ability of public health nurses to be entrusted with the next supervising public health nurse role.”

Discussion: The results suggest that those currently in a supervisory role must create a system to effectively transmit their roles to future public health nurse supervisors. They should identify methods suitable for the organization and its employees so that the system functions properly. They must also accumulate knowledge and experience as supervisors of public health nurses.