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Role and working conditions of nurses in public health in M exico and P eru: a binational qualitative study
Author(s) -
Córdova Maria Isabel Peñarrietade,
Mier Nelda,
Quirarte Nora Hilda Gonzales,
Gómez Tranquilina Gutiérrez,
Piñones Socorro,
Borda Alejandro
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01465.x
Subject(s) - public health , nursing , public health nursing , nursing management , government (linguistics) , health care , focus group , qualitative research , latin americans , exploratory research , health policy , medicine , psychology , political science , sociology , social science , linguistics , philosophy , anthropology , law
Aim This exploratory study conducted in M exico and P eru investigated nurses' perceptions about their role in public health and working conditions. Background Health reform efforts in many countries are redefining the role of health professionals in public health. Little is known about the role of nurses working in public health contexts in L atin A merica. Method Fourteen focus groups were conducted in M exico and P eru with 82 nurses working in government‐sponsored community health centres. Data were analysed using a content analysis technique. Findings Themes identified were: nurses' job descriptions in public health settings; organisational factors influencing the nurses' work, and influence of academic and social image factors. Conclusion Management barriers and limited training influences the role and working conditions of public health nurses in M exico and P eru. Implications for nursing management The professional role of nurses working in public health in L atin A merica is not well defined because of the health‐care system infrastructure and the lack of a clear public health nurse job description. Further research is needed to better understand the role of public health nurses and strengthen their training, particularly in relation to nursing management encompassing abilities for decision‐making processes and public health program planning and evaluation.