 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Roxie Thompson Isherwood, PHD and Sandra C. Tenove, RN, PhD. Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada, 403 220 6267, isherwoo@ucalgary.ca
In our evolving health care system, nurses are increasingly challenged to respond to health issues at individual, family, and community levels within a variety of community settings. What are the shared and distinct dimensions of practice in community-based and community-focussed nursing? What are the implications of these shared and distinct features for the teaching and learning opportunities in academic settings? This presentation will present a conceptual framework that situates the multiple practice areas of community within the larger community system. Based on this conceptualization, educators will be challenged to look for practice similarities, as well as differences, between and among the various clinical contexts within the community. The nature of community-based and community-focussed practice as portrayed in the literature will be explored in terms of current challenges as seen through the eyes of practising nurses and educators. Additionally, the idea of a blended practice approach will demonstrate the potential power of a perspective that combines community-based and community-focused knowledge and skills. The authors suggest that an integrated approach will enable educators to extend clinical capacity through multiple educational strategies and settings. Finally, a model for a community approach will be presented to engage audience members in an active exploration of the relevance of community perspectives in academic and practice settings. Applications and implications for nursing education and service will be investigated, leaving the audience with a sense of possible next steps in "thinking community" in multiple contexts.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.