COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to theory and the concepts of community and public health nursing, population health, including the social determinants of health. Approaches reviewed and key areas covered will include assessing communities, identifying primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies, and evaluating their effectiveness in a variety of settings. A sensitivity to cultural awareness, human dignity, and compassion while applying critical thinking and evidence -based practice to individuals and populations throughout the life span is central to the course. Student activity includes performing nursing assessments and managing community populations, including older adults. The use of contemporary theories of gerontology, aging, physiological/p sychological functioning and the impact of developmental changes, illness, and dysfunction on individuals and communities will be explored. Students will focus on the care of vulnerable populations and will be guided in exploring the role of the community health nurse as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team in the community. This course prepares students for active and responsible community participation as professional nurses. Concurrent course is NURS 410C where students will participate in a variety of clinical experiences. Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program , NURS 200, NURS 215, NURS 310, NURS 315, NURS 330, NURS 335, NURS 340 NURS 350, NURS 360.