Confusions and responses of managerial public health nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan

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.