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.