A multi-method examination of the views of community nurses on the core skills of community staff nurses

Abstract

Although staff nurses comprise a large and important group within the community nursing workforce, there is some confusion surrounding their role and the skills required by them. This study explored the views of a range of different community nurses (n=68) working in one inner-city community trust regarding the skills and learning needs of community staff nurses. The sample comprised community staff nurses (n=28); health visitors (n=15); district nurses (n=19), and nurse managers (n=6) within one trust. The study used three data collection methods: semi-structured interviews, focus groups and a postal questionnaire, with the data from each being triangulated. The findings suggested that the role of staff nurses working in the community differed from that in hospital and that the role requires a broad range of skills. The study therefore highlighted the need for flexibility and adaptability in the skills of community staff nurses.