Question

Discuss how historical events have led to the development of community health nursing and the current challenges community and public health nurses contend with in the practice today.

Answer 1

INTRODUCTION:

- Before one can fully grasp the nature of community health or define its practice, it is helpful to understand the roots and influencing factors that shaped its growth over time. - Community health nursing is the product of centuries of responsiveness and growth. Its practice was adapted to accommodate the needs of changing society, yet it has always maintained its initial goal of improved community health. -Community health nursing development has been influenced by changes in nursing, public health and society that is traced through several stages. EARLY HOME CARE STAGE: ( Before Mid 80's) For many centuries female family members and friends attended the sick at home to reduce suffering and to promote healing. The early root of homecare began with religious and charitable groups. This stage was in the midst of deplorable conditions and response to them that FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE  began her work. Her vision and successfulefforts at health reform provided a model for community health nursing today. DISTRICT NURSING ( Mid 1800s to 1900) This stage was the formal organization of visiting nursing or district nursing. This early emphasis was on prevention and health nursing became one of the distinguishing features of district nursing and later of public health nursing as a  speciality. PROBLEMS OF DISTRICT NURSING: a)increased number of immigrants b) increased crowded city c) inadequate sanitation process d) unsafe and unhealthy working conditions e) nursing education programs at that time was not truly prepared district nurses to cope with their patients, multiple health and social problems. PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING TRAINING (1900 T0 1970) In this century , the ditrict nursing has broadened its focus to include the health and welfare of the general public. Lillian D Wald's contribution to public health nursing serve needy populations. His emphasis on illness prevention and health promotion through teaching and nursing intervention helps to provide a hallmark to nursing practices. COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING (1970 TO PRESENT) Here in this stage, the community health nursing practice settings includes community based offices, doctors office, schools to provide a label that encompassed all nurses in the community. CURRENT CHANGES IN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING: The changes in healthcare department mission was to provide opportunities for the nurses to work in a variety of care settings. 1. REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING: helps in hospitals to address post-discharge support in the patient's home. Today, penalties are assessed for hospitals that fall below the threshold of 30-day readmissions and year to date 75% of hospitals are facing the penalty. The technology is advancing rapidly as cardiac care patients can receive an implantable electronic device that transmits critical data to the provider. 2.WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY: aids them in collecting data and assessing a patient's condition. For instance google glass. Another projected use for having wearable technology designed for nursing professionals is to monitor them during a shift. 3ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES:  an increase in the amount of training and education in alternative therapies by using a modern care plan. For example acupuncture services or chiropractic.