This study presents an assessment of the participation and
training of
nurses in
public health areas in the
Americas. Information was gathered through a
literature review and interviews with key informants from
Mexico,
Colombia, and
Paraguay. Results demonstrate that there is significant variation in definitions of
public health nursing across the region and current systematized data about the
workforce profile of
public health nursing personnel is not available for many countries in the
Americas. There are significant regional differences in the levels and types of
training of
nurses working in
public health areas and an increasing number of
nurses are pursuing
training in
public health at the master's and doctoral levels. Many
nurses carry out some or all of the essential functions of
public health, but are not considered to be
public health nurses. Generally, auxiliary and technical
nurses have a broader presence in
public health areas than professional
nurses. In the
future, regional
health systems reforms should support increased recruitment and
training of
public health nurses, as well as stronger
roles in
public health research and
health care at the individual,
community, and
population levels. (AU)