Public and Community Health Nursing Practice

A Population-Based Approach

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"This text is needed very badly—especially with advanced practice. Most graduate nursing programs focus on primary care and an important component of primary care is community health and public health issues. This book contains much needed information required for advanced nursing practice in primary care. I know of no other text so complete."

                            --Jacqueline Rhoads, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

"A very comprehensive approach to public health – community health. I feel that the content and direction are very much needed."

                              --Clair P. Millet, APRN, MN, CNS, Louisiana Office of Public Health

Public health practice focuses on the prevention of disease and disability as a means of promoting the health of individuals and their communities. Achieving this is dependent on nurses and public health practitioners implementing the core functions of practice—assessment, assurance, and policy development. Because the public health workforce is composed of individuals from a number of disciplines with varying areas of expertise, there is a clear need for a thorough examination of the core competencies necessary for successful public health based on community needs. Developed as an advanced text for students in public and community health nursing, Public and Community Health Nursing Practice presents a comprehensive summary of the core functions of population-based practice. This practice is the cornerstone of the Healthy People 2010 national objectives, and the foundation upon which the health of a given community may be ensured.

The book's population-based approach, theoretical content, and emphasis on evidence-based research are perfectly suited for faculty and students in nursing, public health, and behavioral medicine. Author Demetrius James Porche also includes current public health and nursing practice, making this a unique and indispensable reference for public and community health nurses and nursing administrators, as well as practitioners in other specialties, such as family or primary care nursing. The book also includes appendices, illustrations, tables, and chapter summaries that reiterate important public and community population-based health nursing content.

Topics Covered: 

• Behavioral health and public health organizations 
• Community health nursing leadership 
• Community-level interventions and development 
• Cultural competence 
• Environmental and community assessments 
• Epidemiology 
• Population-based public health 
• Program monitoring, evaluation, and improvement 
• Program planning 
• Public health policy, law, and ethics 
• Public health research 
• Public health systems and infrastructure

Key Features: 

• Demonstrates and emphasizes the population- and evidence-based approach
• Includes Healthy People 2010 objectives, with an emphasis on primary prevention and health promotion 
• Contains abundant pedagogical features, including brief chapter overviews and introductions, key terms highlighted and defined in text, and chapter summaries highlighting key points 
• Provides eight appendices that include a number of important resources, such as Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals, Healthy People 2010 Goals & Objectives, and an epidemiological glossary