Rural/frontier public health nursing: The state of the art

Public health nursing represents the foundation of the U.S. public health system, particularly in predominantly rural and frontier states. According to Rural Healthy People 2010, the majority (69%) of local public health agencies nationally serves jurisdictions of less than 50,000 people and 50% of those serve populations of less than 25,000. Several studies have demonstrated that public health nurses provide the majority of public health services, particularly in rural and frontier areas, however most public health nurses lack formal preparation in public health. Recruitment and retention of rural public health professionals, particularly nurses, is challenging due to location, educational opportunities, workforce shortages, and financial constraints. The purpose of this study, which is currently in progress, is to describe the “state of the art” of public health nursing in Idaho, with an emphasis on nurses serving rural and frontier areas. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, a statewide sample of approximately 100 public health nurses currently practicing throughout Idaho is being assessed in relation to demographic characteristics, experience, educational backgrounds, job satisfaction, practice characteristics, professional goals, and professional development needs. On-site interviews will be completed in the spring of 2007. Data will be analyzed using descriptive analysis for the quantitative data and content analysis of the qualitative data. The results will be compared with existing state and federal nursing workforce and public health data, providing guidance to public health administrators, nurse educators, and policy makers regarding enhancing the public health nursing workforce serving rural and frontier communities.