在快速改變的醫療照護體系中，公共衛生護士經由在職教育得到專業訓練，以維持其社區的照護能力是很重要的。然而，目前針對角色改變中的公共衛生護士，在職教育的需求與阻礙的資訊是匱乏的，所以本研究目的，旨在了解原住民最密集的臺東山地鄉，四鄉鎮之21位公共衛生護理人員在職教育的需求與阻礙。本研究的收集採焦點團體會談法。會談的資料分析以Webb 和 Kevern (2001) 所建議之四步驟進行資料分析。結果顯示臺東山地鄉公共衛生護理人員之在職教育是受限的，且在在職教育需求方面，公共衛生護理人員認為社區評估、心理諮詢、老人照護、安寧照護、統計資料分析法及急診照護是需要的。在阻礙方面，約98﹪的公共衛生護士認為距離是最主要的阻礙，其次是家庭因素及缺乏行政主管的支持。總結，在臺東設立護理學校、使用遠距教學及有系統的提供電腦之在職教育課程，可減少臺東山地鄉公共衛生護理人員接受在職教育的阻礙。

　　　　　In the fast-changing arena of health care, it is important for public health nurses (PHNs) to receive professional training through continuing education (CE) to maintain practice competencies in the community. However, little information is currently known about needs for and barriers to CE for PHNs in role transition; therefore, the aim of this study was to identify CE needs and barriers for 21 PHNs in four Taitung Aboriginal townships where density of Aborigines is the highest in Taiwan. Focus group interviews were used to collect data. Interview data were then analyzed using the four step processes of data analysis suggested by Webb and Kevern (2001). The results indicated that CE for PHNs in Taitung was limited. Community assessment, psychological consultation, gerontological care, palliative care, statistical analysis and interpretation, and emergency care were identified by PHNs as CE needs. For CE barriers, about 98% of the PHNs indicated that long distance traveling was the main barrier. Family factors and inadequate support from administrative leaders were the next. It is concluded that establishing local nursing schools, using the Internet to provide CE, and planning computer systematic education courses may reduce barriers for PHNs in Taitung county.