BACKGROUND:
Nurses comprise the largest section of the public health workforce. Public health challenges are ever-changing, and it is critical to understand how the scope of work of public health nurses is evolving. This is particularly important with the rise of chronic diseases, and an aging population. A job task analysis was conducted in 2025 to define the scope of practice and essential competencies for public health nurses across diverse settings, especially as they increasingly address health disparities and advocate for health equity.

METHODS:
Supervisor level public health nursing subject matter experts first identified and categorized key job tasks and competencies through expert discussions and literature reviews. The job task analysis survey was then disseminated to a broad sample of public health nurses to assess the frequency, importance, and relevance of identified tasks. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and factor analysis, were performed to validate and refine the final competency framework also known as the content outline.

RESULTS:
The survey results indicated the degree of variability in public health nursing roles depending on geographic location and practice setting. Results validated the following domains: Assessment and Analysis; Planning and Implementation; Policy, Advocacy, and Partnerships; Communication and Cultural Competence; Leadership and Management; Systems and Foundational Knowledge; and Quality and Evaluation. Survey responses were analyzed by the Public Health Nursing Job Task Analysis Committee confirming competency relevance across practice settings and highlighting both traditional and emerging public health nursing responsibilities.