Evolving Roles of Public Health Nurses in the Age of Pandemics: A Rapid Review

Abstract

Background: Public health nurses are essential in reacting to and controlling pandemics. Their responsibilities have changed as the globe faces more intricate health issues relating to newly developing infectious illnesses. This literature review aims to identify suggestions to enhance public health nurses' practice and offer a thorough knowledge of the changing responsibilities of public health nurses in the era of pandemics. Methods: The important themes, difficulties, and possibilities connected to public health nursing during pandemics were highlighted after relevant papers were found through a thorough search of databases. Conclusion: Public health nurses play a vital role in combating new infectious illnesses, utilising technology, bolstering health systems, fostering interprofessional teamwork, advocating for health equality, engaging communities, and supporting mental health and wellbeing. However, they deal with serious issues such as a lack of skilled labour, poor funding, and quickly advancing knowledge. Enhancing workforce planning and development, bolstering public health infrastructure, creating and disseminating evidence-based guidelines and protocols, encouraging interprofessional collaboration and education, addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, and supporting continuous learning and professional development are all recommendations for improving pandemic preparedness and response.