Anne Walsh1, Margaret Barnes2, Amy E Mitchell1,3. 1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 2. School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia. 3. School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
AIMS: To examine roles and responsibilities of Practice Nurses in the area of child health and development and in advising parents about child health issues. BACKGROUND: As the focus of Australia's health care system shifts further towards the primary health care sector, governmental initiatives require that Practice Nurses are knowledgeable, confident and competent in providing care in the area of child health and development. Little is known about roles and responsibilities of Practice Nurses in this area. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: Practice Nurses completed a national online survey examining the roles and responsibilities in child health and development, professional development needs and role satisfaction. Data were collected from June 2010-April 2011. RESULTS: Respondents (N = 159) reported having a significant role in well and sick child care and were interested in extending their role. Frequent activities included immunization, phone triage/advice, child health/development advice, wound care and Healthy Kids Checks. However, few had paediatric/child nursing backgrounds or postgraduate qualifications in paediatric nursing and they reported limited preparation for the role. Practice Nurses reported difficulties with keeping up-to-date with child health information and advising parents confidently. Satisfaction was relatively low regarding opportunities and encouragement to undertake professional development and expand scope of practice. CONCLUSION: Practice Nurses are largely unprepared to meet the demands of their child health role and need support to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge base necessary for high-quality, evidence-based practice. Both financial and time support is needed to enable Practice Nurses to access child health professional development.
AIMS: To examine roles and responsibilities of Practice Nurses in the area of child health and development and in advising parents about child health issues. BACKGROUND: As the focus of Australia's health care system shifts further towards the primary health care sector, governmental initiatives require that Practice Nurses are knowledgeable, confident and competent in providing care in the area of child health and development. Little is known about roles and responsibilities of Practice Nurses in this area. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: Practice Nurses completed a national online survey examining the roles and responsibilities in child health and development, professional development needs and role satisfaction. Data were collected from June 2010-April 2011. RESULTS: Respondents (N = 159) reported having a significant role in well and sick child care and were interested in extending their role. Frequent activities included immunization, phone triage/advice, child health/development advice, wound care and Healthy Kids Checks. However, few had paediatric/child nursing backgrounds or postgraduate qualifications in paediatric nursing and they reported limited preparation for the role. Practice Nurses reported difficulties with keeping up-to-date with child health information and advising parents confidently. Satisfaction was relatively low regarding opportunities and encouragement to undertake professional development and expand scope of practice. CONCLUSION: Practice Nurses are largely unprepared to meet the demands of their child health role and need support to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge base necessary for high-quality, evidence-based practice. Both financial and time support is needed to enable Practice Nurses to access child health professional development.
Authors: Kesley de Oliveira Reticena; Vânia do Nascimento Tolentino Yabuchi; Maria Fernanda Pereira Gomes; Lucíola D'Emery Siqueira; Flávia Corrêa Porto de Abreu; Lislaine Aparecida Fracolli Journal: Rev Lat Am Enfermagem Date: 2019-12-05