COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING
Community
Latin "communitas" (fellowship, organized society).
- Definition: Groups connected by durable social relations beyond immediate genealogical ties, with mutual recognition of these connections as important to their identity and social practice.
- Characteristics: A group of people living together with common interests.
Health
- Definition (WHO): A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Community Health Nursing (CHN)
- Definition: Utilizes the nursing process across various client levels (individuals, families, populations, communities) focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation.
- Field: Specialized nursing that emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention through empowering individuals, families, and communities.
Philosophy of Community Health Nursing
- Core Values: Dignity and worth of individuals.
- Belief: Care is directed at individuals, families, and groups to enhance population health.
Philosophy of CHN Practice
1. Humanistic values upheld.
2. Unique components of healthcare considered.
3. Multiple health factors addressed.
4. Active client participation encouraged.
5. Resource availability considered.
6. Team interdependence practiced.
7. Scientific and current practices applied.
8. Adaptation to time and place.
9. Goal of fostering independence and self-reliance.
10. Health and development connected.
Goals of Community Health Nursing
- Objective: Assist individuals, families, and communities in achieving optimal health through a multidisciplinary approach that promotes supportive relationships with their environment.
Concepts and Principles
1. Family: Primary unit of care and basic service unit; focuses on primary prevention.
2. Partnership: Nurses collaborate with clients as active partners in care.
3. Change: Practice influenced by societal changes and health field developments.
4. Health Care Delivery System: CHN is part of a broader health and human services system, sharing responsibilities for care delivery.
Salient Features of CHN
1. Population-Focused: Community as the patient/client.
2. Greatest Good: Emphasis on community-wide health needs.
3. Nursing Process Utilization: Assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of health services.
4. Promotive-Preventive: Prioritizes health promotion and disease prevention.
5. Variety of Tools: Use of health statistics, community maps, surveys, and questionnaires.
6. Management Skills: Involves organizing health services and programs.
Four Levels of Clientele in CHN
1. Individuals: Receive direct health services, including chronic disease management.
2. Family: Basic social institution and unit of care; involved in health-promoting and disease-preventing activities.
3. Group: Individuals with common interests or characteristics; addresses specific health issues related to their group.
4. Community: A group with shared geographic boundaries or values; functions within a unique socio-cultural context.