Exam Prep: Public Health Nursing Vocabulary (Chapters 1-9)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapters 1-9 on Public Health Nursing, including PHN core functions, historical foundations, health care financing, environmental and cultural aspects, and health policy concepts.

Public Health Nursing (PHN)

Nursing practice focused on protecting and improving population health through assessment, policy development, and assurance.

Essential services of PHN

Inform, educate, empower; supported by the core functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance.

Assessment (PHN core function)

Systematic data collection and analysis to monitor health status and needs of a population.

Policy Development (PHN core function)

Leading the creation of policies that support population health using scientific knowledge.

Assurance (PHN core function)

Ensuring availability of services, supplies, and a competent workforce to protect health.

Community-based practice

Provision or assurance of personal illness care to individuals and families in the community; population-focused.

Community-oriented practice

Disease prevention and health promotion for populations and communities; a direct care strategy.

Henry Street Settlement

Lillian Wald’s NYC settlement promoting public health and nursing; foundational to PHN.

Lillian Wald

PHN pioneer; established Henry Street Settlement and advanced school health nursing.

Elizabethan Poor Law (1601)

Foundational framework for social welfare; influenced U.S. programs like Medicaid.

Marine Hospital Service (1798)

Early public health service to seamen to prevent spread of infection.

Rural Nursing Service (Town & Country)

Red Cross initiative delivering home health care in rural areas.

American Red Cross

Organization providing rural and community health interventions and nurse support.

IOM 1999 report

Institute of Medicine finding that ~98,000 deaths/year occur from medical errors; calls for safety improvements.

Health disparities

Differences in cost, access, and quality of care among population groups.

WHO goals: Integration

World Health Organization aim to integrate health services to achieve better health for all.

PHC (Primary Health Care)

An approach to universal health care emphasizing comprehensive, accessible services for all.

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Federal department that oversees health and welfare programs; includes agencies like the CDC.

Multilateral organization

Organizations funded by multiple countries (e.g., UN agencies).

Bilateral organization

Aid provided by a single government entity (e.g., USAID).

NGO

Non-governmental organization; private funding for health and development work.

PVO

Private voluntary organization; NGO-focused term used in humanitarian aid.

Medicaid

Public program financing health care for low-income individuals; state-administered.

Medicare

Public hospital insurance for people 65+, certain disabled individuals, or ESRD.

Medicare Part A

Hospital insurance: inpatient care, skilled nursing facility, home health, hospice.

Medicare Part B

Medical services and equipment: physician services, outpatient care, some mental health, screenings.

Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage; optional managed care plan with premiums (often HMO).

Medicare Part D

Prescription drug coverage.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant; qualifies for Medicare eligibility.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

Inpatient skilled nursing care; often covered under Part A.

Home health

Skilled nursing and therapeutic services delivered at a patient’s home.

Hospice

Palliative care for terminally ill patients; focuses on comfort and quality of life.

Environmental health

Nursing focus on environmental factors affecting health; risk assessment and policy advocacy.

Environmental exposure determinants

Poverty and race can increase exposure to environmental hazards.

Motor vehicle emissions

Major source of air pollution in many communities.

Cultural competence

Ability to interact effectively with people of diverse cultures, including language access.

Immigrant/Non-immigrant/ Refugee

Categories based on immigration status: immigrant (permanent), non-immigrant (visitor), refugee (asylum seeker).

Culture, Race, Ethnicity

Culture: beliefs/values; Race: biological variation; Ethnicity: shared peoplehood; all influence health.

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one’s own culture is superior and the standard by which others are judged.

Cultural imposition

Imposing one's own cultural beliefs on others.

Cultural conflict

Misunderstanding due to unfamiliarity between cultures, affecting care.

Culture shock

Disorientation and discomfort when adapting to a different culture.

Stereotyping

Generalized beliefs about a group; can be positive or negative and unverified.

Prejudice

Emotional bias against a group.

Racism

Power-supported discrimination or oppression based on race.

Judicial branch

Laws and legal interpretations (e.g., abortion laws) in health policy.

Executive branch

Executive agencies (e.g., HHS) that propose, administer, and regulate policy.

Evidence-based Canada

Canada’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and ongoing inquiry in health care.

Spirit of inquiry

Curiosity and willingness to challenge established practices in nursing and policy.

Health policy involvement by nurses

Nurses actively participate in developing and influencing health policy at the community level.