Describing the Role of Public Health Nurses in Preparedness

The role of the PHN in emergency preparedness (EP) is not well defined. PHNs are being asked to integrate EP into their current practice. This requires a shift in their practice from a focus on individuals and communities to working with a multitude of new partners at the systems level.

This struggle has created anxiety, frustration, and an ill-defined sense of clear-cut responsibilities for many PHNs. PHNs are now being asked to become public health planners, which means leaving behind their nursing identities, and moving down a path-EP-that is not only unfamiliar to them but also unfamiliar to the public health profession.

The project focuses on PHNs from Minnesota. The sample selection was taken from a data base at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The data base recognizes 1,004 PHNs working in local or community based public health settings in MN. Solicitation of the PHNs was conducted using the MDH's established relationships and pre-established communications methods.

The project has four components: (a) on-line survey, (b) face-to-face focus groups, (c) a pilot module and training, and (d) a PHN orientation module. Component A was accomplished using the on-line survey tool, Survey Monkey. The survey was developed in December 2007 and distributed in January 2008. It consisted of seven demographic questions and 15 content specific questions. The survey took an average of 15 minutes to complete. A total of 273 PHNs began the survey and 201 (73.6%) completed the survey. Component B is underway. Invitations were extended to PHNs across MN. Registration for focus groups sites is still open. Focus groups will begin on February 19 and end the first part of March. Components C and D have not yet begun but will include: an analysis of the data obtained from component A and B, a pilot module based on the data results, a pilot training session for 30 PHNs based on the pilot module, a comprehensive interactive, web-based training module for distribution across MN for PHN orientation. The data will be analyzed using the Grounded Theory Method. The results will be determined at the project end (August 2008).