Public health nurses and health promotion

This replication study describes public health nurses, perceptions of their role in health promotion. It is based on Berland and Whyte's study of hospital nurses' role in health promotion. Public health nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and activities in health promotion were examined using a cross-sectional study design. Facilitators of and barriers to health promotion practice were identified . The questionnaire from the original study was revised to reflect the practice of public health nurses and mailed to a random sample of registered nurses practicing in community nursing in British Columbia. Data analysis was based on 211 of the returned questionnaires. The results clearly indicate that public health nurses value health promotion. Public health nurses perceive that they have the experience, knowledge, skills , and abilities and include health promotion activities in their daily practice. They report using a variety of strategies including teaching, promotion of healthy lifestyles, advocacy, and counselling to help clients enhance their coping skills, knowledge, and participation in identifying and addressing their own health issues. Facilitators of health promotion practice include work environments that are characterized by supportive colleagues, teamwork, and administrators that foster risk taking, support creativity, and provide encouragement. The majority of public health nurses report feeling stimulated about their practice, having opportunities to be creative and innovative in their practice, and feeling a sense of accomplishment. Most public health nurses believe they make a difference in the lives of clients. Research based practice is valued but many public health nurses believe that determination and evaluation of health promotion outcomes is required. Barriers to health promotion practice are limited availability of resources and resource coordination, time constraints, and lack of computerized records. The public and others' lack of knowledge and understanding about the role of public health nurses act as barriers. Public health nurses also expressed concern that there is a lack of government commitment to health promotion. Implications for nursing research, education, practice, and administration were identified.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat