Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab

ASTHO is launching the Public Health Nursing Learning Lab Series, a virtual space for anyone working in a governmental public health agency, focused on exploring solutions to today’s public health nursing workforce challenges. This interactive series will focus on leadership development, systems thinking, and strategies to strengthen and support the public health nursing workforce.

Participants will learn from one another and share resources and strategies on how to address staffing shortages, burnout, and changing role expectations for public health nurses in governmental public health agencies. 

Meet the Facilitator

Shirley Orr is a trusted national leader in public health nursing and workforce development. She is a founding member and past president of the Association of Public Health Nurses. Orr has worked with local, state, and national partners to develop nursing leadership and improve workforce infrastructure. 
She brings deep experience in workforce planning, nursing innovation, and organizational change. Her approach blends practical tools with systems-level thinking, and she is known for her engaging and supportive facilitation style.

Participants will:

• Identify strategies to address workforce challenges like recruitment, retention, and burnout
• Strengthen their leadership and systems thinking skills
• Understand how to support and sustain the public health nursing workforce
• Build connections and share ideas with peers from across the country
• This series is designed for public health professionals working in governmental agencies, such as workforce directors, HR personnel, public health nurses, and managers, who are committed to innovative strategies for strengthening the public health nursing workforce. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced leader, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to drive change and support your team.