About Public Health Nursing
Public health nursing may be practiced by one public health nurse or by a group of public health nurses working collaboratively. In both instances, public health nurses are directly engaged in the inter-disciplinary activities of the core public health functions of assessment, assurance and policy development. Interventions or strategies may be targeted to multiple levels depending on where the most effective outcomes are possible. They include strategies aimed at entire population groups, families, or individuals. In any setting, the role of public health nurses focuses on the prevention of illness, injury or disability, the promotion of health, and maintenance of the health of populations. They translate and articulate the health and illness experiences of diverse, often vulnerable individuals and families in the population to health planners and policy makers, and assist members of the community to voice their problems and aspirations. Public health nurses are knowledgeable about multiple strategies for intervention, from those applicable to the entire population, to those for the family, and the individual. Public health nurses translate knowledge from the health and social sciences to individuals and population groups through targeted interventions, programs, and advocacy.
Vision
Public Health Nursing leading the way in building healthy communities, achieving health equity and social justice, and improving quality of life for all communities.
Mission Statement
Public Health Nursing advancing the health of the population in partnership with the community through evidence-based practice, education, and research.
- Serving as a national voice for public health nurses (PHN’s).
- Providing a national forum for nurses to discuss and exchange ideas and knowledge of community health-related matters.
- Facilitating the conduct and utilization of research on matters related to public health and nursing.
- Jointly planning and coordinating activities with other Sections of the Association to achieve organizational goals.
- Serving as repository for PHN history and traditions.
- Promoting the inclusion of PHN’s in all deliberations about health policy and research in which nurses have expertise, interest and/or a unique perspective to contribute.
- Fostering the personal and professional development of members by increasing their awareness and use of the political process in providing PHN services to people.
- Serving as advocate for populations at risk in need of health and related services.
- Advocating for "Health for All" through promotion of a broad view of health and involvement in the multi-sectors influencing the health of communities.
Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities have been established in order to meet the central challenge:
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Ensure social justice and eliminate health disparities;
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Strengthen the public health work force;
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Actively engage students; and
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Promote environmental health.
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