What do public health nurses do and are they really needed?

Purpose: To understand how others view the role of the public health nurse in the United States.

Significance: Public health nursing is an important specialty in nursing. Public Health Nurses (PHN) keep the general public healthy. However, as the immediate threat of many communicable diseases has declined, the role of the PHN has become less visible. Today, as budget crises continue, public health nurses are often seen as expendable positions. Many believe this is due to a lack of understanding regarding the role of PHNs. Yet, little research has been done to understand this phenomenon. What does the general public believe is the role and value of public health nurses?

Procedures: Qualitative interviews (n=30) were conducted with the general public and nurses who work in the hospital from across the United States. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to identify common themes.

Findings: Preliminary results indicate that the general public (and hospital nurses) are not familiar with many of the important roles of public health nurses. Immunizations, WIC and primary care for the lower socioeconomic population were services most often identified. There is a clear lack of understanding as to the training and responsibilities of PHNs.

Conclusion: If the general public does not understand the role of the PHNs, it will be difficult to help them understand the need for their existence. Outreach and education must be done to help the general public and policy-makers understand the important role public health nurses play in today's society. Positive examples and ideas of what can be done will be shared.