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Factors associated with the professional competencies of public health nurses employed by local government agencies in Japan.

OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to clarify some of the factors associated with the professional competencies of public health nurses (PHNs) employed by local government agencies in Japan.


DESIGN
A cross-sectional study.


SAMPLE
PHNs (N=1,614) working in local government agencies in Japan.


MEASUREMENTS
Based on self-reported questionnaires, the nurses were grouped according to experience. Statistical differences between the groups were analyzed using analysis of variance. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine associated factors.


RESULTS
Variables contributing to high self-evaluation of interpersonal health support competencies were length of experience as a PHN, an awareness of the role expectations of community health support and administration, marital status, and participation in off-the-job training programs. The same variables contributed to high self-evaluation of community health support and administration competencies. In addition, experience of job transfer or rotation was found to be a variable.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show the importance of off-the-job training programs designed to foster exposure to a wide variety of personal and professional experiences. They also illustrate the importance of planned on-the-job training programs that promote an understanding of the nature of the field, as well as developing planning and administrative competency in career development.