Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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The perceived role of the Public Health Nurse in pre-school
child health.
Author:
Susan Kent, RGN, RM, ENB 100, H.Dip. PHN, Bsc(Hons) Nursing,
Msc Nursing with CHSE.
Public Health Nurse,
Muirhevnamor Health Centre,
Dundalk,
Co.Louth.
Tel: 086 8151245
Email: susankent@eircom.net.
Aim: The aim of this study is to explore what the PHNs perceive
their role is in child health. This study has as its aim the following
objectives: 1) to ascertain the perceived role of the Public Health
Nurses (PHNs) on their current role in child health, 2) to identify the
barriers and facilitations to practicing this role, and 3) to recognise
the perceptions of the PHNs future role in child health care.
Background: PHN in Ireland are generalist practitioner’s who
practice within a geographical area and have a remit to care for
clients from the ‘cradle to the grave’. Impacting on the PHNs role
are the changes in child health practices and changes in the
academic requirements for PHN education. Therefore, it was an
opportune time to enquire from the PHNs what they do and what
they hope to do in the future in relation to child health.
Methods: A qualitative approach using interviews with 10 PHNs in a
rural area of Ireland. Data collection was continuous with data
analysis and led to a number of themes. King’s template analysis
was employed to interpret the data.
Findings: The main findings from the data were the uncertainty of
the PHN in their role in child protection after a child is deemed atrisk.
The findings also suggest that the current changes in child
health education are welcome but fears are that they would not
continue. Other findings suggest that the PHN sees a role for future
practice in child health as CNS/ANP without losing the generalist
specialist role.
Conclusion: The research highlights the necessity to define the role
boundaries in child protection between health professionals. Future
practice may require the development of a CNS/ANP role in this
area of the PHN practice. However, keeping the role of PHN as a
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