A Survey of Nurses' Views of the Current and Future Role of Community Registered General Nurses (CRGN)

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the views of community registered general nurses and directors of public health nursing on the current and future role of the community registered general nurse in the Republic of Ireland.

Design

Anonymous cross-sectional descriptive survey.

Methods

Two questionnaires were developed; one targeted at community registered general nurses and one targeted at assistant directors of public health nursing or directors of public health nursing who were working with community registered general nurses. Social media was used to recruit participants. Descriptive statistics were used while data from open-ended questions were analysed using NVivo software.

Results

A total of 97 community registered general nurses and 28 assistant directors of public health nursing or directors of public health nursing completed the surveys in 2023. There was consensus that community registered general nurses provide holistic care, including case management of adults with complex health needs living in the community. However, lack of promotional opportunities coupled with poor remuneration has resulted in job dissatisfaction. Respondents felt that community registered general nurses should focus on older adults, whereas public health nurses should focus on child health.

Conclusion

The role of the community registered general nurse needs to be clarified, and a promotional pathway developed to attract new graduates to this post.

Impact

This paper outlined the current role and vision for the future role of community registered general nurses.

Reporting Method

CROSS guidelines.

Client or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

What Does This Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?

This paper contributes to the challenges community nurses face regarding increased demand for community nursing, lack of career structure for some community nurses, and difficulties with staff retention within the community.

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