Linking academia and practice to build a public health nursing practice model

Background: Substantial public policy advancements in the mission, substance, and organizational structure of state and local health departments have occurred in Wisconsin over the past 15 years. In 2001, a graphic model that described the key components of contemporary public health nursing (PHN) practice in the state was created. This model was further developed and refined in 2007-08 through a collaborative academic-practice process sponsored by a HRSA funded project called “Linking Education and Practice for Excellence in Public Health Nursing (LEAP Project).” This presentation describes the model development process and components. Methods: An advisory committee composed of representatives from PHN practice at state, local and tribal levels (n=16), and from nursing education programs (n=11) was created as part of the LEAP Project work plan. The 2001 version of the PHN model was presented at a meeting of the Advisory Committee and discussion of strengths, weaknesses, content, and format. A graphic artist was engaged to create a graphic representation of the model incorporating the suggestions of the Advisory Committee. The graphic was provided to the committee a second time and additional changes were made. The graphic was presented at a PHN conference with request for additional input from conference attendees. Additional changes were made and the final graphic was approved by the Advisory Committee. Results: A colorful graphic representation of contemporary PHN practice was created by a graphic artist. The model, with accompanying descriptive narrative and references, has been made widely available in the state through LEAP Project and state PHN websites. The model is being used as a framework for online continuing education, will be included in orientation programs, and is a focus for an upcoming conference. Nurse educators are using the model to restructure PHN courses. Conclusion: The model provides an agreed upon approach to teaching, providing, and communicating about PHN. The development of the model was an example of collaborative leadership and collective effort linking practice and academia in service to the diverse communities of the Wisconsin. The model is dynamic and will change over time as PHN practice changes.