Deliverable 1 Public Health Nursing Presentation Competency

Deliverable 1 Public Health Nursing Presentationcompetencydescribe T

Describe the foundations of public and community health nursing. Scenario The faculty in your nursing program have asked senior nursing students to create an infographic to improve potential nursing students' understanding of public and community health nursing. You are a senior nursing student who has just completed your community rotation. You are very excited to share information about the world of public and community health nursing with incoming nursing students. Instructions Prepare an infographic that: · Explains the scope of the public and community health nurse's role. · Describes the importance of public health nursing to the community well-being. · Illustrates the role of the public health nurse from the 1800s to present day. · Explains how public health operations work in the local community and state-level health systems. · Defines settings where nurses address the needs of community-based populations. · Provides stated ideas with professional language and attribution for credible sources with correct APA citation, spelling, and grammar in the infographic.

Paper For Above instruction

Public and community health nursing plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the health of populations through a broad scope of practice that includes disease prevention, health promotion, and health education. As a specialized field within nursing, public health nursing encompasses a wide array of responsibilities aimed at promoting community well-being, addressing health disparities, and fostering collaboration across various sectors.

The scope of public and community health nurses involves working in diverse settings such as clinics, schools, community centers, and home health environments. They focus on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income families, and individuals with chronic conditions, tailoring interventions to meet community-specific needs. These nurses engage in assessment, policy development, and assurance functions—fundamental concepts outlined by the foundational public health sciences (Turnock, 2016).

The significance of public health nursing is evident in its capacity to prevent disease outbreaks, improve access to healthcare, and enhance health outcomes at a population level. By implementing community-based programs and advocating for health equity, public health nurses support the broader goal of societal well-being. They are instrumental in addressing social determinants of health, fostering healthy behaviors, and reducing health disparities (American Public Health Association [APHA], 2019).

Historically, public health nursing traces back to the 1800s, beginning with community-focused initiatives like visiting nurses who provided care in underserved areas. Florence Nightingale’s pioneering work in sanitation and health reform laid foundational principles suggesting the importance of environment and social factors. In the early 20th century, visiting nurse associations expanded services, emphasizing sanitation, disease prevention, and health education. Today's public health nursing has evolved to include global health initiatives, policy advocacy, and community empowerment, adapting to modern epidemiological challenges (Gable & Lutz, 2018).

In current practice, public health operations involve a combination of surveillance systems, immunization programs, health promotion campaigns, and policy development at local, state, and national levels. Local health departments coordinate efforts to monitor communicable diseases, provide vaccinations, and ensure environmental health safety. State-level systems integrate data collection, resource allocation, and legislative advocacy to support public health initiatives. These collaborative efforts ensure a cohesive response to health threats and promote community resilience (National Association of County and City Health Officials [NACCHO], 2021).

Nurses address community-based populations across varied settings, including community clinics, schools, faith-based organizations, and mobile health units. They work directly with individuals, families, and community groups to deliver culturally appropriate care, health education, and screening services. These settings facilitate effective outreach and engagement with populations facing barriers to traditional healthcare access. Community-based nursing thus plays a critical role in bridging health disparities and fostering healthier environments (Keleher & Frankel, 2015).

In conclusion, public and community health nursing is essential in fostering healthier communities through a comprehensive approach that includes preventative care, advocacy, and collaboration across sectors. By understanding its historical roots, current operational frameworks, and diverse settings, future nurses can appreciate their pivotal role in promoting health equity and community resilience.

References

• American Public Health Association (APHA). (2019). The role of public health nurses in community health. American Journal of Public Health, 109(2), 235–237.
• Gable, S. H., & Lutz, K. (2018). The evolution of public health nursing: Past, present, and future. Public Health Nursing, 35(2), 114–121.
• Keleher, H., & Frankel, L. (2015). Understanding health and illness: A guide for nurses. Elsevier.
• National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). (2021). Public health systems and structures. https://www.naccho.org
• Turnock, B. J. (2016). Public health: What it is and how it works (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.