Public Health Nursing in Los Angeles County is undergoing a major revitalization of its practice. In Los Angeles Public Health Nursing has two broad arenas of practice: generalist PHN working in a geographically defined district, and the PHN working in a categorical program with a specific target population or disease. Efforts at reinvigorating PHN practice focus on three areas: 1) PHN interventions with individuals and families centered around disease control, 2) PHN consumer/community services and 3) PHN community health improvement services. This presentation will describe the efforts related to the first two areas listed. A key focus is on the generalist PHNs who work in a health district defined by census tracts. A comprehensive PHN assessment tool is being piloted throughout the county. It is an attempt to capture the broad and autonomous practice of the PHN. The design and piloting of this tool will be shared at the presentation. A significant portion of the generalist PHN’s time is centered on the provision of consultation, advice, and education to individuals and community groups by telephone or in person. In Los Angeles County, this activity has not been well documented or appreciated as a significant and important component of the PHN role. A tool is being developed to capture and analyze this information, and this tool will also be shared at the presentation.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session. the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the role of the PHN in LA County 2. Articulate the focus of PHN practice improvement efforts in LA County.
Keywords: Public Health Nursing,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Los Angeles County Public Health
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.