The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47111

Kathleen A. Baldwin, PhD, RN¹, L. Michele Issel, PhD, RN², Roberta L. Lyons, MPH, CHES¹, and Lori A. Farneti, BSN, RN¹. (1) College of Nursing, Peoria Regional Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, One Illini Drive, Box 1649, Peoria, IL 61656-1649, (2) School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2035 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, (312)355-1137, KBaldwin@uic.edu

Little information exists regarding the current competency of the PHN workforce to provide the ten essential public health services. Understanding workforce needs fits with federal priorities and interest in advancing the education of nurses for population-based practice. Thus, as a portion of a federal PHN training grant, the authors undertook a survey to assess the current competencies and capacity of the PHN workforce in a large Midwestern state. A self-report survey questionnaire assessed level of competency related to professional standards published by ACHNE. Competency was measured as a score on a set of practices. Incentives and barriers to obtaining formal and continuing education and current educational attainment were assessed also. The survey was critiqued by PHNs from practice and education for readability and applicability prior to administration. A purposive sample (n=200) consisted of directors and staff PHNs in local health agencies in Illinois. To date, the response rate is 81% (n=162). Data entry and analysis are in progress.

Statistical analyses are descriptive of which of the ten essential public health services respondents felt most and least competent to provide, and which are the most important barriers to and incentives for formal and informal education. The results will help with planning statewide educational offerings and tailoring curricula to enhance the competency level and capacity of the PHN workforce in the state.

Learning Objectives: