Aim <p>The World Health Organization identifies primary care as foundational to both health systems and broader community development. In Austria, general practitioners dominate first-level care, unlike countries such as Norway, Finland, and Ireland, which integrate nurses into primary care. In response in 2020, the Austrian government planned to introduce a community health nursing model. This article focuses on the public health competencies required for community health nurses.</p> Subject and methods <p>The study aims to identify key public health competencies for community health nurses, providing insights to inform their training and education. Fifteen experts in community health nursing and public health were interviewed in a qualitative study. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, adhering to recognized research standards.</p> Results <p>Public health competencies are vital for community health nurses working across Austria’s health and social care systems. Key areas include: (a) institutions, structures, and health policy, (b) data competency — collecting, interpreting, and applying data, particularly in epidemiology and research, (c) population engagement — working effectively with diverse and vulnerable populations, informed by social epidemiology.</p> Conclusion <p>Public health competencies are essential to the role of community health nurses in Austria. Training should emphasize epidemiology, health systems knowledge, and disaster preparedness to support their contribution to health equity, system resilience, and improved population outcomes.</p>