Journal of Biomedical Advancement Scientific Research

Abstract

Public Health Nurses (PHNs) work at the community level delivering essential healthcare services while navigating complex emotional, professional, and ethical landscapes. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of PHN leaders, uncovering the challenges, roles, and emotional labor inherent in their work to better understand their critical contributions to public health. Utilizing a descriptive phenomenological research design, data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with ten purposively selected participants and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal five major themes—Sorting the Fibers, Securing the First Twist, Weaving the Strands Together, Twisting Through the Unexpected, and Strengthening the Final Rope—which illustrate how PHNs navigate structural barriers, make strategic decisions, juggle multiple roles, adapt to shifting demands, and draw strength from community connection. These results underscore the hidden, complex labor in public health nursing, demonstrating the urgent need for enhanced institutional recognition, systemic support, and policy changes to sustain communitybased health initiatives, especially in resource-poor settings.