Focus on Population Health: The New Expanded and Revitalized Public Health Nursing Toolbox

Background: As public health nursing (PHN) shifts its focus more towards population health, PHN leaders need to arm themselves with specific teaching and learning strategies that correspond to current PHN models and competencies.  This paper presents results of a project to revitalize and expand the PHN Toolbox.  Description: Originally designed by a consortium of Illinois PHN practice and education partners, this toolbox, containing both a facilitator’s manual and a student guide, provides a population-focused orientation package for PHN staff. Toolbox activities have also proven useful to PHN educators. Evaluation data from the original Toolbox as well as from the recently piloted revised Toolbox have informed the final product. Lessons Learned:  Major revisions include (a) greater emphasis on the public health core functions—particularly policy development and analysis; (b) practical applications of the Quad Council Competencies and their relationship to state nurse practice acts and the ANA’s PHN Scopes and Standards; (c) basic information on evidence-based PHN practice and how to access, evaluate, and use this information; (d) a wealth of suggested teaching-learning activities; (e) targetted audience beyond Illinois; and (f) conferment of continuing education credit.  An evaluation section has also been added to allow authors to examine the effectiveness of the Toolbox and aid with future revisions. Implications/recommendations: Providing PHN administrators with this easily accessible, comprehensive, tested toolbox will help PHN staff gain the knowledge and skills needed to improve the health of populations. Feedback from the new evaluation section will also aid with continued relevant updates of the Toolbox.