Public health nursing, a term introduced by Lillian Wald, specialty focused on public health.Public health nursing is similar to community health nursing, however, there is a difference. Public health nurses direct related to people/public, provide healthcare to the Public who are incapable to take care of own self and need assistance. Community health nursing involves in defense and development policy to eliminate healthcare disparities. While both have the same focus and their purposes are specific.
Public health nursing is involved in the prevention, education, activism, assessment, and evaluation of public health. A public health nurse’s role is to develop wellness and avert illness. This nursing specialty focuses on teaching at-risk individuals and groups on how to live healthy lifestyles and prevent disease by avoiding hazardous behavior or exposure. Some key points to achieve success in this is:
- Record medical data electronically
- Provide education to the public about health
- Examine the health condition of patients and recommending treatment plans
- Administering treatments
- Providing referrals
- Alert patients about health support services
- Following up with patients
Public health nurses are employed in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community health centers and other organizations improving health at a community level.
