The value of community health nursing: a phenomenological study of the perceptions of community health nurses.
This study explores and describes the value of community health nursing from the perspective of community health nurses. The phenomenological method as defined by Colaizzi (1978) guided this exploration. Eleven community health nurses from the health department of a large urban center were interviewed for the study. The data revealed five major themes: 1) the value of activities in community health nursing; 2) the value of the purposes of community health nursing; 3) the value of prerequisites for community health nursing; 4) the value of the visibility of community health nursing; and 5) the value of community health nursing as the way to the future in health care. The findings of this study are particularly important in light of recent government interest in community health. However, if community health nurses are to capitalize upon this window of opportunity, they must clearly and forcefully articulate and make visible their value. Further research, particularly from a qualitative perspectives, could help to advance this field of practice. Research that articulates the value of community health nursing in various settings and from the perspectives of various nurses, clients, and colleagues could also clarify and promote the collective and individual value of community health nursing.
University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada.
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BD
Leipert
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D012945:Social Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires