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Community public health nursing is not entirely different in nursing practice with that of clinical nursing confined in the four corners of the hospital. It also promotes wellness and prevents illness through education and health teachings, provides comfort and care through its delicate nursing care interventions, and emphasizes curative and rehabilitative interventions through efficient, individualized approaches. But its peculiarity involves not only caring for a single client but by extending thru the whole family and the community. It is further defined in the book of Community Health Nursing Services as a unique blend of nursing and public health practice woven into a human service that is properly developed and applied by which has a tremendous impact on human well being. Thus, taking this into consideration makes its roles and responsibilities a tremendous mix of art and science, too. Basing on the concepts of the community public health nursing, the following roles and responsibilities are described below: Roles and Responsibilities of a Community Health Nurse1. The main focus of community health nurse is health promotion. Programmer/Planner
Health Educator/Trainer/ Counsellor
2. The recipient of care of community public health nursing practice is extended not only to the individual but also to benefit the whole family and community. Community Organizer
Coordinator of services
3. Community health nurses are generalists in terms of their practice through life’s continuum. Provider of Nursing Care
4. Continuity of care with the client, family or and the community extends for a longer time involving individuals of all ages and health needs. Health Monitor
5. The nature of nursing practice in the community needs the knowledge of biological and social sciences, ecology, clinical nursing, and community organizing, for it to be effective. Researcher
Statistician
6. This field of nursing practice utilizes a dynamic process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) in the provision of continuous care until termination is implicit. Change Agent
My apologies, for I only have included a shortlist of the roles and responsibilities. A community health nurse could still develop other sorts of roles while working in the setting. It may not be evident because of its vast and intricate tasks. What is important is the impact it produces in those individuals who needed the care of a community health nurse. Paper works, like the graphs and pie charts shown in the community health center, are not enough to say that a nurse accomplished her work because a much bigger responsibility is laid in front of her – the community. So, despite the short description of the roles and responsibilities of community public health nursing my hopes are up that some of us would like to be one, too or if not, recognize the hardships and efforts of our own nurses in the community in delving with the issues in health in the community. References:
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APNA is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia—like the nurses who work in community health. Nurses in community health provide an interpretative bridge between the acute sector and community services. They embrace a social model of health to advocate and give a voice to the community accessing care. In a system which is often complex and hard to navigate, nurses in community health are able to simplify the health systems, referral pathways, and access to care. What’s it like being a primary health care nurse working in community health?Community health nurses who are APNA members receive: up-to-date education and resources; the latest industry news and guidelines; communities, expert advice and support; and career tools and professional benefits. See the full range of APNA Member Benefits Specific APNA member benefits for community health nursesOnline EducationEnrol in over 50 courses relevant for community health nurses, either FREE or discounted for members—including courses on The Official Aseptic Non-Touch Technique eLearning Course, Ulceration of the Lower Legs, Foundations of Wound Management, Using a Doppler to Calculate the ABPI & much more. Community and NetworkingConnect with other community health nurses at networking events or via the APNA Online Community. After all, no one understands community health nurses better than a community health nurse. Expert Support and AdviceReceive one-on-one support from experienced nurses on APNA’s Nurse Support Line. If you’re having trouble with a clinical issue, have a question about medication, or want to understand the career pathways for a community health nurse—we’re only a phone call away. Educational Events - Workshops, Webinars and ConferenceLearn, connect and re-energise alongside other community health nurses at the annual APNA Conference, with a variety of education sessions for community health nurses. Don't want to wait a year? We run a number of educational workshops and webinars throughout the year perfect for community health nurses. News and ResourcesNew developments in community health? You'll be the first to know with an email alert sent straight to your inbox. Or you can stay up-to-date with clinical developments via our Nurse Know-How video series or the APNA Knowledge HUB. Professional Indemnity InsuranceProtect your livelihood and career. APNA has negotiated cost-effective Professional Indemnity Insurance for its members which covers community health nurses for anything within their scope of practice. See the full range of APNA Member BenefitsAPNA Professional membership is only $25.50 per month for 12 months, or pay the year upfront. |