Much to do about nothing: the desertification of public health nursing practice in relationship to water and its impact on health

Abstract

The purposes of this phenomenological hermeneutics study were to gain an understanding of the meaning nine public health nurses (PHNs) in southern Alberta attach to their experience of promoting health related to safe and secure water; and to illuminate their emergent understanding of barriers and opportunities in that regard. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data analysis followed van Manen’s approach. Under an overarching theme, Being in the Desert, findings are presented through four themes: Desertification of the Practice Context; Desiccation of the PHN; Adaptation of the PHN; and Reclamation of Practice. Barriers to a role with water are central and embedded within the lived experience of PHNs; opportunities lie in the awareness that emerged through the discourse of the interviews. This discourse with PHNs must continue, so that they can begin to articulate an enhanced role in promoting health related to safe and secure water.