These studies cover a remarkable array of questions and methods. The shared root is their relevance to public health nursing (PHN) practice. Nursing as an applied science draws on many disciplines and public health nursing with its blend of public health and nursing sciences extends this. One can look at an individual study and see its relationship to psychology or policy analysis and ask what is it that makes this belong to PHN? While much in our domain is not unique to PHN, our particular combination of core elements defines our essence.
Research is valuable simply because it advances knowledge and no discipline owns knowledge. None of these studies ask questions that are owned by public health nursing, but each resonates with our essential professional core. The unifying forces are the source of the questions, PHN practice, and their promise to advance the health of populations. This group of studies reflects the varied disciplinary roots in public health and of PHN researchers. As nursing and health care shift to greater emphasis on health promotion and prevention there is great growth in all research relevant to public health nursing. With their variety of advanced degrees built on shared values, mission and practice, the emerging cadre of PHN researchers are positioned to lead nursing and other health care professions in building knowledge to advance population health for the future.
Learning Objectives: To promote discussion among participants in this session. To encourage the participants to exchange ideas regarding the papers presented in the session To stimulate new ideas for doctoral education in PHN
Keywords: Public Health Research, Professional Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.