Strengthening the Process of Role Recognition in Public Health Nurses through Social Welfare Experience Supporting Elderly and Handicapped

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to clarify how experience in the social welfare field increases role recognition among public health nurses.

Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 15 public health nurses who transferred to the social welfare field and then returned to the health field. The results were qualitatively analyzed and described.

Results: We identified three stages of role recognition: fluctuations in professional identity, rediscovery of the essence of the roles of a public health nurse, and awareness of the fundamental roles. Through this process, public health nurses strengthened the consciousness deeply concerned with residentsʼ life, reconfirmed roles such as to prevent disease, and found social resources. Eventually, they believed that public health nurses could demonstrate their roles wherever they belonged.

Conclusions: We need to develop the role of public health nurses in organizations and to encourage greater participation of public health nurses in the social welfare field.