Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the experiences of public health nurses (PHNs) in Japan during the first wave of COVID-19.
Design and sample: Twelve PHNs in charge of responding to COVID-19 in X-city within Tokyo metropolis in Japan participated in this case study.
Measurements: Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews on PHNs' experiences from January 2020 to May 2020.
Results: Initially, only infectious disease control division (IDCD) PHNs experienced confusion due to the rapidly increased workload. Managerial PHNs attempted to explain the need for a dispatch system for the IDCD, using available statistical data from other managerial members, within one's maximum understanding of this unprecedented situation. Without having a clear and forward-looking understanding regarding the purpose and reasons for dispatching, some dispatched PHNs had concerns and frustrations; they did not view the COVID-19 pandemic as a disaster. In the never-ending, exhausting work, PHNs managed to modify the provision of conventional services to residents.
Conclusions: Despite experiencing confusion, PHNs worked to continuously provide community services, re-considering the meaning of public health nursing. Prioritizing the work and shifting tasks to other professionals at an early stage of the pandemic may prevent organizational dysfunction.
Keywords: community health services; disaster; leadership; management; organization and administration; pandemic; public health system; task shift.
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