Yafa Haron
The Max Stren Yezreel Valley College, Israel
Title: Public-health nurses’ activities at a time of specialization in nursing—A national study
Biography
Biography: Yafa Haron
Abstract
Background: Studies in various countries about the core activities of public-health nurses show a large number and diversity of these professionals’ roles. In view of the changing climate of advanced-practice public-health nursing, the actual scope and focus of public-health nursing practice have not been well documented.
Objectives: To provide a detailed, up-to-date account of the job description and practice areas of current public health nurses (public-health nurses).
Design and sample: A cross-sectional study was designed. A sample of 824 public-health nurses, 80% of public-health nurses in Israel, participated in a national structured survey.
Method: A structured questionnaire eliciting self-reported public-health-nursing activities, priorities, perceived deficiencies, and job satisfaction was compiled.
Results: Nearly 70% of surveyed public health nurses provided individual-level interventions and less population-health-focused activities such as community needs assessments and development and implementation of community-based projects.
Conclusions: Advanced training should be required in several areas of practice and the scope of public-health nurses’ practice should be expanded, with greater emphasis on population health.