Public health nursing competencies for public health surge events.
OBJECTIVE
To develop consensus regarding public health nursing competencies in the event of a public health surge event related to disaster.


METHODS
Using a 3-round Delphi approach, public health nurses (PHNs) and directors of nursing from local health departments, state nursing leaders, and national nursing preparedness experts reviewed and commented on 49 draft competencies derived from existing documents.


RESULTS
The final 25 competencies were categorized into Preparedness (n=9), Response (n=8), and Recovery (n=7). The Preparedness competencies focus on personal preparedness; comprehending disaster preparedness terms, concepts, and roles; becoming familiar with the health department's disaster plan, communication equipment suitable for disaster situations; and the role of the PHN in a surge event. Conducting a rapid needs assessment, outbreak investigation and surveillance, public health triage, risk communication, and technical skills such as mass dispensing are Response phase competencies. Recovery competencies include participating in the debriefing process, contributing to disaster plan modifications, and coordinating efforts to address the psychosocial and public health impact of the event.


CONCLUSIONS
Identification of competencies for surge events that are specific to public health nursing is critical to assure that PHNs are able to respond to these events in an effective and efficient manner.
Polivka
Barbara J
BJ
The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio, USA. polivka.1@osu.edu
Stanley
Sharon A R
SA
Gordon
Deanna
D
Taulbee
Kelly
K
Kieffer
Gloria
G
McCorkle
Sheryl M
SM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control; D003142:Communication; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009820:Ohio; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014218:Triage