Special Features: Health Policy: Organizational Attributes That Assure Optimal Utilization of Public Health Nurses |
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| Authors: | Donna Meagher‐Stewart Jane Underwood Mary MacDonald Bonnie Schoenfeld Jennifer Blythe Kristin Knibbs Val Munroe Mélanie Lavoie‐Tremblay Anne Ehrlich Rebecca Ganann Mary Crea |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Ph.D., R.N., School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Professions, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada;2. B.Sc.N., M.B.A., School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;3. B.Sc.N., M.C.Ed., University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada;4. B.Sc.N., M.S., University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada;5. Ph.D., School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;6. B.S.N., M.N., University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada;7. R.N., M.N., Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;8. Ph.D., M.Sc. (Nursing), McGill University School of Nursing, Montreal, Quebec, Canada;9. R.N., M.H.Sc., School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;10. R.N., M.Sc., School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;11. M.Sc., School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT Optimal utilization of public health nurses (PHNs) is important for strengthening public health capacity and sustaining interest in public health nursing in the face of a global nursing shortage. To gain an insight into the organizational attributes that support PHNs to work effectively, 23 focus groups were held with PHNs, managers, and policymakers in diverse regions and urban and rural/remote settings across Canada. Participants identified attributes at all levels of the public health system: government and system‐level action, local organizational culture of their employers, and supportive management practices. Effective leadership emerged as a strong message throughout all levels. Other organizational attributes included valuing and promoting public health nursing; having a shared vision, goals, and planning; building partnerships and collaboration; demonstrating flexibility and creativity; and supporting ongoing learning and knowledge sharing. The results of this study highlight opportunities for fostering organizational development and leadership in public health, influencing policies and programs to optimize public health nursing services and resources, and supporting PHNs to realize the full scope of their competencies. |
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| Keywords: | nursing administration organizations public health nursing practice public health systems |
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