Nursing competencies for child health promotion

Abstract

Using nursing competencies in health promotion practices is an international recommendation as a strategy to increase the efficiency of care. The objective of the study was to analyze the nurses' competencies identified in child health promotion practices. A qualitative study with thirteen nurses aged 23-57 years, from March to May 2013. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in primary care units of a northeastern Brazilian city. Top five skills to promote health were identified: to catalyze change, assessment, planning, implementation and partnerships. The study analyzed that although some skills have been identified, it was noted that the practice of nurses presented insufficient theoretical basis in relation to recommendations of the International Galway Consensus. The research contributes to a critical reflection on the use of health promotion skills in child care to support the practice of evidence-based nursing.