Community Health Nursing LEC

Ata, Iranun, Kagan, Bagobo Klata, Maguindanaon, Matigsalog, Ovu-Manuvo, Sama, Tagabawa, Tausug

11 Tribes in Davao

Community health nursing

emerged during the early 1900s under American influence, focusing on controlling epidemics and improving rural health through organized public health services.

Before Mid-1800s – Early Homecare Stage

During this time, formal nursing as a profession did not yet exist. Care for the sick, especially the poor, was delivered in their homes by volunteers, religious sisters, and laypersons. The focus was on compassionate care, not science or prevention. This period emphasized charity work rather than structured health systems.

1900–1970 – Public Health Nursing Stage

As societies developed, governments and communities recognized the need for population-wide health measures. Nurses started to work not just in homes but in schools, clinics, and workplaces, focusing on infectious disease control, immunization, health education, and environmental sanitation. Public health nursing became formalized and recognized as a critical pillar of the healthcare system.

1970 to Present – Community Health Nursing Stage

The nursing profession expanded further to include roles in health policy, advocacy, and community development.

1565–1898 – Spanish Colonial Period

Healthcare during the Spanish era was mostly curative and focused on the elite. Hospitals were operated by religious orders, and nursing roles were informal and custodial, not preventive.

1901 – Establishment of the Board of Health (Act No. 157)

Under American colonial rule, the Board of Health of the Philippines was established. This marked the formal start of organized public health.

1903 – Act No. 309: Provincial and Municipal Health Boards

These health boards brought public health down to the local level, allowing provinces and towns to conduct vaccination drives, sanitary inspections, and health education.

1906–1907 – Establishment of Formal Nursing Schools

These institutions introduced structured, science-based nurse training modeled after American systems.

1940s – World War II Era

Filipino nurses played a heroic role during WWII. Despite widespread destruction, lack of supplies, and danger, they continued to serve as caregivers, often under guerrilla operations.

1953 – Republic Act No. 877: The Philippine Nursing Law

This law provided the legal foundation for professional nursing in the Philippines. It required licensure exams, regulated the scope of practice, and protected the public by ensuring nurses met minimum competency.

Post-War to 21st Century – Expansion of Education and Public Health

Nursing education shifted from hospital-based to higher education institutions, producing nurses equipped with public health knowledge and leadership skills.

2002 – Republic Act No. 9173: The Philippine Nursing Act

This law modernized the nursing profession. It emphasized:

• Higher education and advanced specializations

• Continuing professional development

• Leadership roles in health policy and planning

• It also reflected the global recognition of Filipino nurses and their growing contribution to the international workforce, especially in community and public health settings

Public Health Nurse

defined as the practice of promoting and protecting the health of populations using knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences;

focuses on population health, with the goal of promoting health, and preventing disease and disability.

Health planner, Educator, Coordinator, Statistician and Research scholar, Advocate, Health Promoter.

Key Roles & Responsibilities of a Public health nurse