Public Health Nursing Lecture Notes

A comprehensive collection of key concepts and definitions to assist in studying Public Health Nursing and its related fields.

What is Population Health?

The health outcomes of a group of individuals, emphasizing patterns, determinants, and equity.

What is the primary focus of Public Health?

Organized community efforts to prevent disease and promote health through societal interventions.

Give an example of Community Health in practice.

A nurse-led asthma prevention program in Baltimore schools.

How does Population Health differ from Public Health?

Population health takes a broad view, focusing on determinants and policies affecting entire groups.

What are the core functions of Public Health?

Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance.

What is the focus of Community Health?

Improving health by addressing localized needs and engaging community members.

What does the term 'social determinants of health' refer to?

The non-medical conditions influencing health outcomes.

What is the goal of Upstream prevention in Public Health Nursing?

To address policy and structural determinants of health.

What example illustrates Midstream interventions?

Partnering with schools to create safe play spaces for children.

What does Downstream refer to in terms of PHN practice?

Individual and family-level care such as health screenings.

Define Public Health Nursing (PHN).

A synthesis of public health and nursing science aimed at promoting health in populations.

What is the importance of 'ethics' in PHN practice?

It grounds practice in values of justice, equity, and evidence-based care.

What does the core function of Assessment entail in PHN?

Collecting and analyzing data about health needs and risks systematically.

What is Policy Development in Public Health Nursing?

Translating data into equitable public health policies.

What does the Assurance function in PHN ensure?

Access to essential health services, especially for vulnerable populations.

Name one example of the Cornerstone concerning social justice in PHN.

Advocating for healthcare access regardless of immigration status.

What is the importance of relationships in Community Health?

They build trust and empower communities.

What does 'Structural Competence' mean?

Recognizing and addressing health as it relates to social, economic, and political structures.

What is 'Critical Reflection' in Public Health Nursing?

A process of examining one's biases and assumptions to improve practice.

How does Structural Humility inform a nurse's practice?

By recognizing limits of one's knowledge and valuing community expertise.

What do we mean by 'Anti-Oppressive Practice'?

A framework addressing social and structural inequalities for empowerment.

Define 'Equity' in health terms.

Allocating resources based on need to achieve fairness and justice.

What is the impact of 'structural violence'?

It harms individuals by preventing them from meeting their basic needs.

What does the 'hidden curriculum' in nursing education refer to?

Unspoken norms and assumptions that shape professional identity.

What is the goal of Critical Service-Learning?

To challenge systemic inequities and promote social change.

What distinguishes Critical Service-Learning from Traditional Service-Learning?

Critical Service-Learning emphasizes social justice and redistribution of power.

What role does cultural competence play in PHN?

It helps nurses understand and respond to diverse cultural backgrounds.

What is 'Global Health'?

The study and practice aimed at improving health for all worldwide.

What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

A set of 17 global goals to address health, inequality, and sustainability by 2030.

Define 'Structural Racism'.

Systemic policies that advantage white populations and disadvantage racial minorities.

What is the purpose of the Public Health Intervention Wheel?

It defines the scope of public health nursing interventions.

What type of interventions does the PHIW include?

Surveillance, disease investigation, outreach, screening, and advocacy.

What does Primary Prevention focus on?

Preventing disease before it occurs.

What is Secondary Prevention?

Detecting and treating problems early.

Define Tertiary Prevention.

Minimizing disability and enhancing function.

How does 'Glocal' relate to public health?

Local health issues connecting to global forces.

What does 'Service-Learning' encompass?

A structured experience combining community service and reflection.

What is the principle behind the term 'advocacy' in public health nursing?

Championing vulnerable populations and addressing policy barriers.

What are the key elements of Structural Competence?

Recognizing, developing language for, and envisioning structural interventions.

How should Public Health Nurses address disparities?

Use data to identify inequities and advocate for policy change.

What does the Black-White mortality gap reflect?

Systemic health disparities and inequalities related to race.

What is the significance of environmental factors in health outcomes?

Poor environmental conditions contribute to health inequities.

How can PHNs use data in practice?

To inform interventions and assess community needs.

Describe the importance of trust in community health initiatives.

Trust fosters collaboration and effective health interventions.

What is a Community Health Assessment?

A systematic approach to identify health needs in a community.

What is the goal of Outreach in PHN?

To locate and inform at-risk populations about health services.

Identify a role of Public Health Nurses in disease investigation.

Evaluate and control potential outbreaks of diseases.

Explain the role of surveillance in public health.

Monitor health trends to guide timely interventions.

Describe what advocacy encompasses in public health nursing.

Efforts to influence policy for better health outcomes.

What does the Minnesota Department of Health's Public Health Intervention Wheel include?

Guidelines for PHN practice and interventions.

Why is advocacy essential for Public Health Nurses?

It addresses systemic shortcomings and health inequities.

How is the intersection of community, policy, and individual care achieved in PHN?

Through integrated interventions addressing root causes.

Give an example of how to apply the concept of equity in health policy.

Promoting Medicaid expansion to improve access for low-income families.

What does the acronym 'WHO' stand for?

World Health Organization.

Explain the term 'transformative learning' in nursing education.

A process transforming perspectives through critical reflection.

What are examples of barriers identified in community health assessments?

Limited access to care, lack of transportation, and poverty.

Define the difference between disparities and inequities.

Disparities are health differences; inequities are unfair or avoidable differences.

How do PHNs utilize epidemiological data?

To assess community health and identify priority health issues.

What does 'public health' encompass?

The science of protecting and improving community health.

Adverse health outcomes can often be traced back to what?

Structural determinants such as policy, poverty, and environment.

Give an example of an Upstream intervention.

Advocating for sustainable housing policies.

What do PHNs advocate for during epidemic outbreaks?

For resources and policies to prevent further spread.

Describe the importance of community engagement in health initiatives.

It ensures interventions meet the local population's needs and context.

What is the aim of health education in community settings?

To empower individuals with knowledge for better health choices.

How do Public Health Nurses conduct outreach efficiently?

By collaborating with local organizations to reach underserved populations.

Why is it critical to address social injustices in health care?

To work towards equitable access and outcomes for all individuals.

What kind of data helps in evaluating the effectiveness of PHN interventions post-implementation?

Epidemiological data comparing pre- and post-intervention health outcomes.

What are the strategies used by Public Health Nurses?

Advocacy, collaboration, surveillance, and education.

What is meant by 'health equity'?

The state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

Provide an example of a community assessment method.

Conducting surveys or focus groups to gather community health opinions.

Discuss the concept of 'social justice' in nursing practice.

Commitment to equity and fair distribution of healthcare resources.

What role do policies play in Public Health?

They shape health outcomes through regulations and funding.

Define what is meant by 'cultural humility' in nursing.

An approach that recognizes and respects diverse cultural perspectives.

What type of health issues are frequently addressed by community health programs?

Obesity, diabetes, asthma, and access to care.

What is the focus of health surveillance?

Tracking health data to inform public health action.

What does it mean to 'move upstream' in public health practice?

Addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms.

How can PHNs promote health equity in their practice?

By advocating for marginalized populations and equitable resources.

What is a common barrier to maternal health equity?

Historical injustices and ongoing discrimination in healthcare.

How can critical reflection impact nursing practice?

It encourages nurse self-awareness and more equitable care delivery.

What is the association between poverty and health outcomes?

Lower socioeconomic status is linked to worse health outcomes.

How does community mobilization aid health outcomes?

It empowers communities to identify and address their health needs.

Give an example of how racism can be structurally embedded in healthcare.

Policies that disproportionately limit access to healthcare for racial minorities.

What does the Public Health Intervention Wheel illustrate?

The levels and types of interventions for improving population health.

Explain the role of coalition building in public health initiatives.

Bringing together diverse stakeholders to address health issues collaboratively.

Name a public health issue that requires upstream advocacy.

Climate change and its impact on health disparities.

Identify a potential community health intervention for asthma prevention.

Creating educational programs on managing environmental triggers.

What does the term 'epidemiological literacy' imply for nurses?

The ability to analyze and apply population data to inform practice.

What is the role of leadership in community health initiatives?

Guiding and fostering engagement among community members and organizations.

What framework guides PHN practices?

The Public Health Intervention Wheel that outlines interventions and strategies.

Give an example of structural violence in health care.

Unequal access to health resources based on geographic location.

How does public health connect local actions to global goals?

By aligning community health initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals.

What is an essential quality for a successful Public Health Nurse?

Cultural competence and sensitivity to social determinants of health.

How can nursing students effect change in community health issues?

By actively participating in service-learning and advocacy projects.

What does the term 'health inequity' signify?

Systematic disparities in health status or access to healthcare.

What is the relationship between social justice and public health?

Social justice provides a moral framework for equitable health distribution.

What does the term 'critical pedagogy' mean in nursing education?

An approach encouraging students to question power dynamics and injustices.

What is the emphasis of the core functions in public health?

Ensuring sustainable and equitable health for entire populations.

Why is community engagement crucial in PHN?

It fosters trust and builds capacity within communities to improve health outcomes.

Briefly define community organizing in a public health context.

Engagement of community members to identify health issues and strategize solutions.

What is a key takeaway regarding the role of nurses in promoting health equity?

Nurses must act as advocates and change agents addressing systemic barriers.