Public health nursing.
Define public health nursing. Discuss the following three core functions of the public health nurse: assessment, policy development and assurance. Explain how population-focused nursing practice is different from clinical nursing care delivered in the community.
Sample Answer
Public health nursing is a specialty within nursing that focuses on promoting and protecting the health of populations. Public health nurses work at the intersection of health and social care, and they use their skills and knowledge to address the health needs of individuals, families, and communities.
The three core functions of public health nursing are:
- Assessment: Public health nurses assess the health needs of populations and identify the factors that contribute to those needs. This may involve collecting data, conducting surveys, and interviewing community members.
- Policy development: Public health nurses work to develop policies and programs that promote health and prevent disease. This may involve advocating for policies that support healthy behaviors, such as increasing access to healthy food and safe housing.
- Assurance: Public health nurses assure the quality of health care services and ensure that people have access to those services. This may involve monitoring the quality of care, conducting quality improvement initiatives, and providing education and training to health care providers.