The Role of the Public Health Nurse in Collaborative Efforts to Manage COVID-19 in a Rural Hispanic Population: A Qualitative Inquiry.

Introduction: While local health departments (LHDs) recognize the need to provide culturally congruent care to rural Hispanic populations, the COVID-19 pandemic tested their capacity to leverage available knowledge, skills, and resources to integrate effective transcultural collaborations to improve health outcomes.

Methodology: Twelve semi-structured interviews of community leaders were conducted and interpreted using qualitative thematic analysis. The role of the LHD's Public Health Nurse (PHN) in the pandemic response was examined using the Public Health Intervention Wheel (2019), specifically collaboration, coalition-building, and community organizing components.

Results: The PHN directed the community response to the pandemic. Four pivotal themes emerged from the data: identifying gaps, forming alliances, putting boots on the ground, and moving forward.

Discussion: The need to provide culturally congruent care to the Hispanic population required the development of transcultural knowledge through multi-faceted strategies. Sustaining relationships borne out of the pandemic is important to enhance community response to future disasters.