Saskatchewan Public Health Nursing Survey: Perceptions of Roles and Activities

Objective: To explore perceived roles and activities of Saskatchewan public health nurses (PHNs). Methods: This replication study surveyed Saskatchewan PHNs using the instrument developed by the Hamilton-Wentworth Social and Public Health Services Division in a 1992 survey of Ontario PHNs. This instrument is based on the roles and activities for community/public health nurses described by the Canadian Public Health Association (1990). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the 124 responses received. Results: Most of the nurses perceived that they were at least somewhat prepared for all of the roles. The activities of: caring for individuals and families; immunizing; educating individuals, families, and groups; acting as a resource person for clients and lay helpers; linking those needing services to appropriate community resources; and using marketing strategies were carried out most often by PHNs. Activities within the roles of community developer, policy formulator, researcher and evaluator, and resource manager/planner/coordinator were carried out to a much lesser degree. The roles and activities being done less often were also the ones PHNs felt less prepared to do. Interpretation: It is important, as health authorities begin to support a more preventive approach to health care, that PHNs are competent in the roles outlined by the Canadian Public Health Association. As well as preparing new graduates for these roles, it is essential to provide continuing education for practicing PHNs. Public health administrators must also support public health nurses in carrying out these roles. Objectif : Analyser les rôles et les activités perçus des infirmières et des infirmiers de la santé publique de la Saskatchewan. Méthodes : Nous avons mené un sondage auprès des infirmières et des infirmiers de la santé publique de la Saskatchewan en reprenant un instrument élaboré par la Direction des services sociaux et de la santé publique de Hamilton Wentworth en 1992 pour un sondage auprès des infirmières et des infirmiers de la santé publique de l'Ontario. Cet instrument s'inspirait des rôles et des activités des infirmières et des infirmiers communautaires et de la santé publique décrits par l'Association canadienne de santé publique (1990). Nous avons utilisé des données descriptives pour analyser les 124 réponses reçues. Résultats : La plupart des infirmières et des infirmiers percevaient qu'ils étaient au moins quelque peu préparés pour tous les rôles. Les acti