Reorienting Public Health Nurses’ Practice With a Professional Practice Model

Abstract

Purpose Documents articulating public health nurses' (PHNs') roles, including Canadian standards and competencies, depict a broad focus working at multiple levels to improve population outcomes through the promotion of health equity. Conversely, Canadian experts depict a looming crisis, based on the rising disconnect between daily activities and ideal practice. While perfectly positioned, PHNs' skills and abilities are under-utilized and largely invisible. The intention of this study was to develop a model to support the full scope of equity-focused PHN practice. Method A participatory action research approach was used. Qualitative data were gathered using semistructured interview guides during audio-recorded meetings. The data were coded into central themes using content analysis and constant comparison. A researcher reflexive journal and field notes were kept. A significant feature was full participant involvement. Results The outcome was a professional practice model to reframe the PHN role to focus on population health and equity. The model was imperative in promoting full scope of practice, dealing with workload pressures, and describing PHNs' value within the organization and broader health system. Conclusion Professional practice models hold promise as frameworks to depict autonomous practice activities, situated within organizations and healthcare systems, and underpinned by nursing knowledge.

Participatory action as a research method with public health nurses

“…The outcome was a professional practice model. The RWG believed PAR was essential in its development and in creating a shared organizational vision (Cusack et al., ). One PHN stated: “…look at this process here … I feel so energized when we meet as a group, this is so positive…you get stagnant, this kind of stuff reenergizes us.” The model had been created by PHNs and participants believed it reflected their voice and practice.…”

“…The PHNs spoke about two contributors to project success; process facilitators which are reported elsewhere (Cusack et al., ) and PAR. The RWG reported their involvement in PAR was a rewarding experience that contributed to an empowering practice environment.…”

“…Study objectives were to: (1) explore the utility and value of PAR as a methodology in public health nursing practice; and (2) to develop a model of service delivery to support PHNs to practice to the full scope of their competencies, especially in the promotion of health equity and early childhood development. This article reports on the first objective; the second is reported elsewhere (Cusack, Cohen, Mignone, Chartier, & Lutfiyya, 2017).…”

“…The outcome was a professional practice model. The RWG believed PAR was essential in its development and in creating a shared organizational vision (Cusack et al, 2017). One PHN stated: ".…”

“…The PHNs spoke about two contributors to project success; process facilitators which are reported elsewhere (Cusack et al, 2017) and…”