Overcoming barriers and improving public health nursing practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing Workforce Studies
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Public health nurses (PHNs) are essential for community health.
• Limited data exists on the PHN workforce in Maryland.
• Understanding workforce challenges is key to effective public health infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the characteristics, challenges, and needs of the public health nursing workforce in Maryland.
• To identify barriers to recruitment, retention, and career advancement for PHNs.
• To gather recommendations for strengthening the public health nursing sector.

Main Methods:

• Conducted interviews with 21 public health nurse and school health nurse leaders.
• Administered an online survey to 491 practicing PHNs and school health nurses in Maryland.
• Utilized qualitative and quantitative data analysis to identify workforce trends and issues.

Main Results:

• The Maryland PHN workforce is older, experienced, and well-educated.
• Key barriers identified include low salaries, recruitment difficulties, funding limitations, and lack of career advancement opportunities.
• Inadequate leadership, recognition, and representation at decision-making tables were significant concerns.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight critical needs for increased awareness, advocacy, and improved compensation and benefits for PHNs.
• Enhancing leadership representation and addressing systemic barriers are vital for a robust public health nursing workforce.
• Comprehensive workforce data is essential for meeting current and future public health demands and ensuring adequate funding.