ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: The purpose of this article is to describe the efforts in the state of Georgia to train public health nurse-childcare health consultants (PHN-CCHCs) using the framework of the "Core competencies for public health practice." OBJECTIVES: The goal of the training was twofold: (1) to prepare a statewide cadre of PHNs as the primary workforce for Georgia's emerging childcare health consultation (CCHC) system and (2) to prepare their district nurse directors to lead and support CCHCs. DESIGN: Administrators attended a 2-day workshop followed by access to executive coaching for their management teams. PHNs participated in a three-phase training program, with phases 1 and 3 offered as 3-day workshops with field experiences, and phase 2 offered online and as a practicum. SAMPLE: Forty-four administrators and over 85 PHN-CCHCs completed the training. RESULTS: Graduates of the program reported satisfaction with training and reported the use of PHN core competencies in CCHC. Graduates also found enhanced skills in using core competencies to be applicable to a variety of population-based practices. Beyond CCHC being instituted in selected health districts, interest in CCHC has occurred statewide. CONCLUSIONS: The PHN-CCHC program enhanced the knowledge and use of core competencies and heightened interest in CCHC statewide.
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/standards , Education, Nursing, Continuing/organization & administration , Nurse Administrators/education , Nursing Staff/education , Pediatric Nursing/organization & administration , Public Health Nursing/organization & administration , Attitude of Health Personnel , Community Health Planning/standards , Consultants/psychology , Curriculum , Georgia , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Models, Nursing , Needs Assessment , Nurse Administrators/organization & administration , Nurse Administrators/psychology , Nurse's Role , Nursing Assessment , Nursing Education Research , Nursing Staff/organization & administration , Nursing Staff/psychology , Pediatric Nursing/education , Primary Prevention , Program Development , Program Evaluation , Public Health Nursing/education , Systems AnalysisABSTRACT
This study surveyed health and safety needs of child-care programs; examined the perceptions of directors, the person identified as being responsible for a program, concerning health consultation; and determined how directors would secure funds to pay for consultative services. The survey was conducted in a state without mandates for child-care health consultation and minimal access to consultants. The researchers designed and pilot-tested a Child Care Health and Safety Survey. Working with a task group of statewide child health experts, the researchers revised the survey and mailed it to a random sample of child-care programs. Twenty-two Head Start Programs, 122 licensed child-care centers, and 116 family child-care homes participated, representing a return rate of 73, 36, and 30%, respectively. The majority of programs expressed interest in child-care health consultation offered for free or fee-based. Directors identified reasonable means of obtaining funds to support consultation. All programs had needs related to supporting health practices in their settings, provision of health services for staff, and health screening for children. Public health nurses, specially trained to advise child care, are well positioned to offer consultation. Systems of health consultation may be accepted as fee-for-service arrangements, supporting sustainability.
Subject(s)
Child Care/statistics & numerical data , Consultants , Early Intervention, Educational/statistics & numerical data , Needs Assessment , Child , Child Care/organization & administration , Child, Preschool , Early Intervention, Educational/organization & administration , Georgia , Health Care Surveys , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , InfantABSTRACT
Child care health consultation, an emerging health care delivery system aimed at improving the health and well-being of children enrolled in child care settings, is consistent with the public health core function of assurance. Public health nurses are the primary workforce for such consultation. Few states have critical masses of consultants, and many are struggling to financially support such programs. Through an academic-community partnership, Georgia's public health nurses are building a consultative system of child care health support. This partnership focuses on adding value in child care while strategically and financially supporting the sustainability of this population-focused practice.
Subject(s)
Child Day Care Centers , Child Health Services/organization & administration , Public Health Administration , Public Health Nursing/organization & administration , Child, Preschool , Georgia , Humans , Interinstitutional RelationsABSTRACT
Many of America's youngest children are enrolled in child care and parents expect their child care providers to be prepared to handle emergencies. Emergency preparedness in child care is complex, complicated further by threats of public health emergencies, including terrorism. Unfortunately, minimal attention has been given to the needs of child care in planning for these emergencies. Involving Child Care Health Consultants promotes child care preparedness that is integrated in to community plans. This article discusses child care emergency preparedness, offering recommendations for consultants working with child care providers.
