[A study by the Delphi technique of expected competencies of public health nurses working in government organizations].

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clarify, using the Delphi technique and by the consensus of Experts, the expected competencies of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) working in government organizations according to their number of years' experience. METHODS: Experts were nurses who had a PHN license in academic, administration and service areas. The criteria for selecting are as follows Academic professors of community nursing department, in nursing college. Administration chief PHNs working in prefectural government organization, with the role of supervising and controlling PHNs. Service recommended by each administration Expert and fulfilling all the following 3 points; (1) PHN experience of 10 years or more in a government organization, (2) a supervisory position over at least one junior PHN, and (3) an effective practical record as a PHN. 209 Experts who were chosen by the specified criteria were approached for their participation. At Round 1, Experts were asked to list competencies important for PHN under 3 headings knowledge, skills and attitudes. From the response in Round 1, competency items were categorized. A list was obtained and used in Round 2, when Experts were asked to select and rate the importance of competencies for 4 ranges of PHN years of experience. At Round 2, these competencies were analyzed on the basis of importance. At Round 3, Experts were asked whether they agree or not with the results of Round 2. The criterion for consensus was set as an agreement rate of 90%. RESULTS: Of the total, 63 agreed to participate; 14 in the academic, 23 in the administration and 26 in the service area. Response were turned 63 from all at Round 1, 52 at Round 2 and 44 at Round 3. The result clarified the expected competencies into 47 items and 7 categories related to their importance in the experience year ranges. The 7 categories were Conducting nursing processes; Conducting community health activities; Providing health care; Management; Information application; Human relations; and Personal characteristics. The very important competencies PHNs should have were regarded as follows (1) At 1-3 years' experience, PHNs should have 2 categories (2) At 4-10 years, they should have the 5 categories (3) At 11-20 years they should have all 7 categories (4) At 21 or more years they should have at least 6 categories. At all levels PHNs were required to have the 2 categories of Providing health care and Personal characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: It was expected as PHNs gain experience they should obtain wider and more faranding competencies stepwise, from basic nursing care to community care, and on to administration.