This presentation includes three perspectives on Community Health Nursing (CHN) competencies: comparison to those identified almost a decade ago in the journal Public Health Nursing; reflection on the current theory for different levels of educational preparation; and, practice mandates in light of diverse models in different community settings and Public Health departments. Almost a decade ago, a group of nurses from the nationally recognized group SEARCHN published an article that identified and defined community health competencies. More recent data have been collected, utilizing mid-level nursing supervisors individually or in focus groups, to identify CHN competencies defined as essential for the year 2000 and beyond.
The description of the more recently identified competencies will be compared and contrasted with the APHA, PHN Section role definition. Also, ANA's definition of Public Health Nursing as contrasted with the CHN competencies, and ACHNE's differentiation between educational preparation for generalist and specialist CHN roles will be discussed.
Even the pervasive managed care system and state-wide education on population-focused public health have not provided sufficient incentive to move community health nursing practice toward a consensus on a single model. Discussion will provide bench marks for staff and role development in service settings and educational programs.
Learning Objectives: The learner will be able to… 1) Identify changes in expectations for PHN practice competencies 2) Identify similarities and differences between theoretical role definitions for PHNs and what is often their actual practice and educational preparation 3) Describe opportunities that exist for Public Health Nursing in terms of filling the gap between actual function, theoretical expectations, and educational preparation of PHNs
Keywords: Public Health Nursing, Competency
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.