"Community/Public
Health Nursing: Promoting the Health of Populations
(7th Edition)" by Mary A. Nies and Melanie McEwen is a comprehensive textbook that provides a thorough exploration of community and public health nursing. This edition emphasizes the importance of promoting and protecting the health of populations, offering a detailed understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and practices of community/public health nurses. The book integrates theoretical concepts with practical applications, making it a valuable resource for both students and practicing nurses.
Introduction: The Role of Community/Public Health Nursing
The book begins by defining community/public health nursing and differentiating it from other nursing specialties. The authors introduce the concepts of population health and public health, emphasizing the shift from individual patient care to community and population-focused interventions. The introduction also discusses the historical evolution of
community/public health nursing, highlighting key milestones and the development of public health policies and programs in the United States.
Chapter 1: An Overview of Community/Public Health Nursing
This chapter provides a foundational overview of community/public health nursing, discussing its scope, goals, and core functions. The authors explain the role of community/public health nurses in assessing community needs, planning and implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes. The chapter also covers the various settings in which community/public health nurses work, including schools, workplaces, and government agencies. The importance of collaboration with other healthcare professionals and community stakeholders is emphasized, as well as the need for cultural competence in delivering care to diverse populations.
Chapter 2: Theoretical Foundations of Community/Public Health Nursing
The second chapter delves into the theoretical foundations of community/public health nursing, exploring various models and frameworks that guide practice. The authors discuss theories related to health promotion, disease prevention, and social determinants of health. They also introduce the ecological model, which emphasizes the interaction between individuals and their environments, and the community-as-partner model, which focuses on building partnerships with communities to address health needs. The chapter provides case studies and examples to illustrate how these theories are applied in real-world settings.
Chapter 3: Epidemiology and Community Health Nursing
Epidemiology is a key concept in community/public health nursing, and this chapter provides a detailed exploration of its principles and applications. The authors discuss the role of epidemiology in
understanding the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. They explain the methods used to conduct epidemiological research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The chapter also covers the concepts of incidence, prevalence, and risk factors, as well as the use of epidemiological data in planning and evaluating public health interventions.
Chapter 4: Evidence-Based Practice and Community/Public Health Nursing
This chapter emphasizes the importance of evidencebased practice (EBP) in community/public health nursing. The authors discuss the steps involved in implementing EBP, including formulating clinical questions, searching for and appraising evidence, and applying evidence to practice. The chapter also explores the challenges of translating research findings into practice, such as limited resources, resistance to change, and the need for ongoing professional development. The authors highlight the role of community/public health nurses in advocating
for and contributing to evidence-based policies and programs.
Chapter 5: Health Promotion and Risk Reduction in Populations
Health promotion and risk reduction are central to the practice of community/public health nursing. This chapter discusses strategies for promoting health and reducing risk factors at the population level. The authors explore various health promotion models, such as the Health Belief Model and the Transtheoretical Model, and their application to public health interventions. The chapter also covers the principles of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and provides examples of programs aimed at preventing chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and injuries.
Chapter 6: Cultural Competence in Community/Public Health Nursing
Cultural competence is essential for effective community/public health nursing, and this chapter
provides a comprehensive exploration of this concept. The authors discuss the impact of culture on health beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes, and the need for nurses to understand and respect cultural diversity. The chapter introduces the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence, which provides a framework for assessing and addressing cultural factors in healthcare. The authors also discuss strategies for overcoming cultural barriers, building trust with diverse communities, and providing culturally appropriate care.
Chapter 7: The Community as Client: Assessment and Diagnosis
This chapter focuses on the process of community assessment, which is the foundation for planning and implementing public health interventions. The authors discuss the steps involved in conducting a community assessment, including data collection, analysis, and diagnosis. They introduce various tools and methods for assessing community health, such as windshield surveys, focus groups, and community health
assessments. The chapter also covers the development of community health diagnoses, which identify priority health issues and guide the planning of interventions.
Chapter 8: Planning and Implementing Community/Public Health Programs
This chapter provides a detailed guide to planning and implementing community/public health programs. The authors discuss the steps involved in program planning, including setting goals and objectives, selecting strategies, and developing action plans. They also explore the principles of program implementation, such as resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and communication. The chapter provides examples of successful public health programs, such as immunization campaigns, tobacco cessation programs, and community-based mental health services.
Chapter 9: Evaluation of Community/Public Health Programs
Evaluation is a critical component of community/public health nursing, and this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of evaluation methods and processes. The authors discuss the importance of evaluating programs to assess their effectiveness, efficiency, and impact on health outcomes. They explore various types of evaluation, including formative, process, and summative evaluation, and provide guidance on selecting appropriate evaluation designs and measures. The chapter also covers the challenges of conducting evaluations, such as data collection, interpretation, and the use of evaluation findings to inform future practice.
Chapter 10: Public Health Policy and Advocacy
Public health policy plays a crucial role in shaping the health of populations, and this chapter explores the role of community/public health nurses in policy development and advocacy. The authors discuss the
process of policy-making, including agenda-setting, policy formulation, and implementation. They also explore the role of nurses as advocates for public health policies that promote health equity, access to care, and social justice. The chapter provides examples of successful policy advocacy efforts, such as the passage of the Affordable Care Act and tobacco control legislation.
Chapter 11: Communicable Disease Control
Communicable diseases remain a significant public health challenge, and this chapter provides a detailed exploration of strategies for controlling and preventing their spread. The authors discuss the principles of communicable disease control, including surveillance, outbreak investigation, and vaccination. They also explore the role of community/public health nurses in implementing disease control programs, such as contact tracing, education, and immunization. The chapter covers the challenges of controlling emerging and re-emerging infectious
diseases, such as antibiotic resistance and global pandemics.
Chapter 12: Environmental Health and Safety
Environmental health is a key focus of community/public health nursing, and this chapter provides an overview of the impact of environmental factors on health. The authors discuss the various environmental hazards that can affect health, such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and occupational exposures. They also explore the role of community/public health nurses in promoting environmental health, including conducting risk assessments, advocating for environmental justice, and implementing interventions to reduce exposure to environmental hazards.
Chapter 13: Disaster Preparedness and Response
Disaster preparedness and response are critical components of community/public health nursing, and this chapter provides a comprehensive guide to the role of nurses in disaster management. The authors
discuss the phases of disaster management, including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. They explore the role of community/public health nurses in disaster preparedness planning, risk communication, and the delivery of care during and after disasters. The chapter also covers the challenges of responding to natural and man-made disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and terrorist attacks.
Chapter 14: Global Health and International Nursing
Global health is an increasingly important focus of community/public health nursing, and this chapter explores the role of nurses in addressing global health challenges. The authors discuss the major global health issues, such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and health disparities between developed and developing countries. They explore the role of international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), in promoting global health and the contributions of nurses to international
health programs. The chapter also covers the challenges of working in global health, such as cultural differences, resource limitations, and political instability.
Chapter 15: Vulnerable Populations and Health Disparities
Vulnerable populations face unique health challenges, and this chapter explores the role of community/public health nurses in addressing health disparities. The authors discuss the factors that contribute to vulnerability, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare. They explore the health needs of specific vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, migrants, and individuals with disabilities. The chapter provides examples of interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting health equity, such as outreach programs, mobile clinics, and policy advocacy.
Chapter 16: Mental Health and Substance Use in the Community
Mental health and substance use are significant public health issues, and this chapter provides an overview of the role of community/public health nurses in promoting mental health and preventing substance use disorders. The authors discuss the factors that contribute to mental health and substance use problems, such as stress, trauma, and social isolation. They explore the principles of mental health promotion and substance use prevention, including early intervention, treatment, and recovery support. The chapter also covers the challenges of addressing mental health and substance use in the community, such as stigma, lack of resources, and fragmented services.
Chapter 17: Maternal and Child Health
Maternal and child health is a key focus of community/public health nursing, and this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the role of nurses in promoting the health of mothers and
children. The authors discuss the major health issues affecting maternal and child health, such as prenatal care, breastfeeding, and childhood immunizations. They explore the principles of maternal and child health promotion, including risk assessment, education, and support services. The chapter also covers the challenges of improving maternal and child health, such as disparities in access to care, cultural barriers, and the need for coordinated services.
Chapter 18: School and Occupational Health
School and occupational health are important areas of community/public health nursing, and this chapter explores the role of nurses in promoting health in these settings. The authors discuss the major health issues affecting school-aged children and workers, such as chronic diseases, injuries, and infectious diseases. They explore the principles of school and occupational health promotion, including health education, screening, and prevention programs. The chapter also covers the challenges of promoting health in schools and workplaces, such as limited
resources, competing priorities, and the need for collaboration with other professionals.
Chapter 19: Health Care Systems and Policy
The health care system and policy environment have a significant impact on community/public health nursing, and this chapter provides an overview of the role of nurses in navigating and influencing the health care system. The authors discuss the structure and function of the health care system in the United States, including the roles of government, private sector, and non-profit organizations. They explore the impact of health care policies on access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. The chapter also covers the role of community/public health nurses in advocating for health care reforms and improving health care delivery.
Chapter 20: Ethics and Professional Practice in Community/Public Health Nursing
Ethics is a critical aspect of community/public health nursing, and this chapter provides a comprehensive
exploration of ethical principles and challenges in the field. The authors discuss the ethical issues that arise in community/public health nursing, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and resource allocation. They explore the principles of ethical decision-making, including respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice. The chapter also covers the role of professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), in promoting ethical practice and providing guidance for nurses facing ethical dilemmas.
Conclusion: The Future of Community/Public Health Nursing
The book concludes with a discussion of the future of community/public health nursing, exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the field. The authors highlight the importance of continued professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy for public health policies that promote health equity and social justice. They also emphasize the need for community/public health
nurses to adapt to changing health care environments, technological advancements, and emerging public health threats. This comprehensive textbook is an invaluable resource for students and practicing nurses in the field of community/public health nursing. The seventh edition of "Community/Public Health Nursing: Promoting the Health of Populations" provides a thorough understanding of the principles, practices, and challenges of community/public health nursing, with a focus on promoting the health of populations and reducing health disparities.