An exploratory survey of public health nurses' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and application of the Quad Council Competencies

Public Health Nurs. 2020 Jul;37(4):581-595. doi: 10.1111/phn.12716. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Abstract

Objective: A collaborative research team of community/public health nursing faculty and public health nurses surveyed public health nurses to explore knowledge, skills, attitudes, and application of the Quad Council Competencies for Public Health Nurses (QCC-PHN).

Methods: Evaluate the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and application of the 2011 QCC-PHN by public health nurses.

Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to answer the hypothesis related to the study objective. A convenience sample of 308 public health nurses completed an online survey.

Measurements: ANOVA was used to determine the difference between the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and application of community/public health nurses (C/PHNs) regarding the QCC-PHN based on nursing specialty preparation, years of nursing experience, and years of C/PHN experience.

Results: C/PHNs are described and differences in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and application are delineated. A statistically significant difference was found in knowledge and attitude based upon years of C/PHN experience.

Conclusions: Recommendations are proposed for increasing the QCC-PHN awareness, implementation, and evaluation to effectively enhance the practice of nursing C/PHN.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence / standards*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Nurses, Public Health / psychology*
  • Nurses, Public Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Public Health Nursing / standards*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires