Date of Paper/Work
12-2015
Type of Paper/Work
Doctor of Nursing Practice Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Susan Hageness
Department/School
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore registered nurses’ and social workers’ experiences working with community health workers (CHWs) in clinics and homecare.
Six nurses participated in individual, semi-structured interviews. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed that CHWs are considered vital members of the health care team. Their expert knowledge of community resources and ability to bridge cultural and language gaps make them ideally placed to impact social determinants of health. The role of the CHW is evolving.
Team building and role clarity are essential elements for successful integration of CHWs on health care teams. The investigator was unable to recruit social workers for this study. Further research is needed to solicit social workers’ perceptions of the CHW role in health and human services.
Recommended Citation
De Jong, Karen Macdonald. (2015). Nurses’ Perceptions of Community Health Workers in Health Care. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/dnp_projects/64