Public health nursing workforce and learning needs: A national sample survey analysis.

Generate national estimates of the public health nursing workforce's (1) demographic and work characteristics and (2) continuing education learning needs in the United States.Secondary data analysis of the 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.Total 7352 of the 50,273 survey respondents were categorized as public health nurses (PHNs), representing an estimated 467,271 national workforce.Survey items for demographics, practice setting, training topics, and language(s) spoken fluently were analyzed.Workforce demographic characteristics are included. Mental health training was the most frequently endorsed topic by PHNs, followed by patient-centered care and evidence-based care. Training topic needs vary by practice setting.Results here can be used as a needs assessment for national public health nursing professional development and education initiatives. Further research is needed to refine and survey a nationally representative sample in a manner meaningful to public health nursing practice.

Duke Scholars

Author Jessica Patience Castner Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability