Planning Human Resources

The focus of this chapter is to help readers appreciate the crucial role that people play in the success of a project. Many readers who are students are obviously involved in their undergraduate studies at present, but many registered nurses choose to work in developed or developing countries coordinating or being involved in worthwhile project activities. We will direct this chapter to readers as if they are considering pursuing such an option. During the planning stage of a public health project, human resources are carefully identified, selected, and invited to take part in the project. The best possible people will facilitate the achievement of the project's goal and objectives. Dwyer and others (2004) suggest that a health practitioner must make a plan, and be flexible enough to recognise that plans change. Planning for human resources means that sensible questions have to be asked at the outset of a project.