Revealing the Voices of Public Health Nurses by Exploring Their Lived Experience. Issue 2 (12th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joyce, Barbara L.; O'Brien, Karen; Belew‐LaDue, Brene; Dorjee, Tsering K.; Smith, Claudia M.
• Is Part Of: Public health nursing. Volume 32:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2014-02-12
• Subjects: lived experience -- public health nursing -- qualitative research; Public health nursing -- Periodicals; 610.734
• DOI: 10.1111/phn.12113
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0737-1209

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of the public health nurse and the value added by nurses working in public health roles. Design: Focus groups were conducted using open ended questions to provide depth of understanding of the value of the public health nurse (PHN). Thematic categories emerged. Follow‐up telephone interviews were conducted with eleven public health nurses to further provide further depth and understanding. Sample: The annual meeting of the Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado (PHNAC) was used to recruit volunteers for the study. Eighty‐eight public health nurses participated. Measurements: Five questions were developed and a semi‐structured questionnaire was used to elicit discussion. Transcriptions were analyzed and coded for thrust and intent. Results: Application of the study findings were used to develop an advocacy campaign for PHNs and provided foundation for development of an Interactive Learning Model a community/public health nursing course. Conclusions: Application of study findings to the Cornerstones of Public Health Nursing (Keller, L., Strohschein, S., & Schaffer, M. Public Health Nursing. 28 (3), 249–260, 2011 ) are explored with recommendations for future research. Role validation of the value of public health nurses in the community can provide understanding of and support for public health nursing positions.