Training needs assessment of the public health nurse (PHN) competency at health post in Nepal

Abstract:
Authors:
 Lamsal S,  Badhu A, Shah T . Community Health Nursing Department,
                 College of Nursing, BPKIHS, Contact: 2084

Title of study:
Training Needs Assessment of the Public Health Nurse (PHN) Competency at Health Post in Nepal
Aim of study:
This study aimed to assess the training needs of public health nurse (PHN) and compare the job performed by them with job description.
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive study was conducted by utilizing triangulation research method. It was conducted in Eastern and Central regions of Nepal with 13 PHNs (of 13 districts among 75 districts of Nepal) and their supervisors were included as the samples. Data was collected by using standardized tools.
Results:
The mean age of the PHNs was 43.69 ± 9.4 years. Near about half (46%) had 10 to 20 years job experienced. Most of the respondents (85%) had done PCL Nursing. All most all (92%) subjects had undergone some in-service education. Most of them (57%) used to visit health posts. Majority of PHNs (85%) were assisted in planning and implementation of programme for health post. Majority of them (85%) were involved in educational activities. Most of them (85%) used to supervise the staffs working at health post. Majority of PHNs (77%) were not involved in research activities. Most of them (85%) felt the needs of training on recent concepts to bridge the gap between traditional and recent concepts of public health.
Conclusion:
PHNs have broad areas and lots of opportunities to work, in case of sufficient manpower at district level. Most of them were of Certificate level (10+2) nursing background; therefore they need clinical training on recent advancement and the health system needs to recruit more PHNs to improve public health services in Nepal.