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This paper presents the findings from an analysis of survey data which was collected from public health nurses (N = 136) as part of a larger study with more than 4000 nurses and midwives in Ireland. The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of burnout using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and to compare relationships between burnout, demographic and work characteristics across this group of nurses. Younger PHNs were most likely to report feeling burnout (68%) compared with those aged 51 or over (47%) who reported the lowest levels. PHNs whose highest level of qualification was a primary degree were least likely to report feeling burnout (31%) compared with those who held a Masters / Doctoral degree (54.5%). PHNs who reported working on a fixed-term full-time contract were most likely to report feeling burnout (70%) compared with those who were on a permanent part-time contract (49%). Quantitative analysis, using both descriptive and inferential statistics, was carried out and the findings show that PHNs reported moderate levels of burnout. The findings also show that burnout among PHNs is strongly correlated with the physical demands placed on individuals during work, having constant time pressures, too much being expected of individuals, the work environment being too demanding and dissatisfaction with the physical conditions.

The literature on growth assessment in infancy suggests that, while it is an important tool for defining health and nutritional status, there are concerns about potential negative effects from too frequent monitoring. The overall aim of this study was to estimate the value of public health nurse-facilitated breastfeeding group support in Ireland. The study was informed by, and is coherent with, the methodology used to calculate a social return on investment (SROI). Data were collected from primary and secondary stakeholders using focus group, joint and individual interviews (n=75) and questionnaire survey (n=139). Quantitative descriptive analysis of survey data and thematic analysis of qualitative data took place. Mothers viewed their infant's weight as an objective measure of their ability to breastfeed and highlighted its importance in counteracting negative commentary. Public health nurses suggested that mothers need to have confidence in their own ability rather than relying on an external measure of success. It is concluded that the voices of mothers need to be heard in any debate about what is helpful for them.

Programme implementation is a complex process, and literature around the area of implementation science is growing, particularly with respect to programme fidelity (Dusenbury et al, 2003; Carroll et al, 2007). This paper draws on the findings from an evaluation in one area involving restructuring of the Public Health Nursing service from a generalist, geographically based service, to a team-based specialist approach. From this evaluation, it is clear that careful consideration must be given to a number of key issues that could arise in moving from a pilot project to a more mainstream or widescale implementation. These issues could relate to workforce planning; the role of the team leader; formation, maintenance, and development of teams; expertise and knowledge, including knowledge of local communities; active caseload management; continuity across a range of areas; alignment with primary care teams; co-location; and the need for support, particularly in the IT infrastructure.

In contrast with community nursing services in the UK and other parts of the world, the public health nursing service in the Republic of Ireland operates as a generalist service, providing both public health and wellbeing services in addition to clinical nursing services to a wide range of patient groups. While much discussion has taken place over the years about the benefits and challenges of a generalist service, little consensus has emerged about whether the current generalist approach should be maintained or whether a more specialised approach is required. This article presents key findings from an evaluation, using research methods, of a community nursing service that was restructured from a generalist, geographically based service, to a more specialist team-based model. The findings across multiple stakeholders show a number of positive effects in the areas of quality, safety, risk, governance, active caseload management, and finances. Some challenges were also identified, particularly with respect to continuity of services, loss of expertise, role of the team leader, and engagement in population-based activities.

This study examined the school nursing/medical examination records of 6206 national school children for sociodemographic factors associated with reported nocturnal enuresis. A point prevalence of 10.7 % (n = 666) for nocturnal enuresis was reported by parents during 1970–1993 in children aged 4–14 years. Although a downward linear trend (from 11.5 % to 10.7 %) was seen for the reported prevalence of nocturnal enuresis over the 23-year period, this trend was not statistically significant. Age, as expected, large family size and low ordinal position in the family were all statistically associated with reported nocturnal enuresis. Gender was statistically associated with reported nocturnal enuresis only in the 8–14 years age group. Paternal social class was not statistically associated with reported nocturnal enuresis, although 15 % of children in families where the father was absent were reported enuretic compared with only 10 % of children whose father was in social class 1. These findings contribute to an understanding of the relationship between sociodemographic factors and enuresis as reported at school medical examinations and have implications for the planning and development of health services at local levels.