Commentary, J Nurs Patient Care Vol: 8 Issue: 2

Function of Public Health Nursing and its Evolution

Cynthia Wotton^*

¹Department of Nursing, University of Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, Canada

*Corresponding Author: Cynthia Wotton,
Department of Nursing, University of Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, Canada
E-mail: wotton.c@gmail.com

Received date: 02 June, 2023, Manuscript No. JNPC-23-107554;

Editor assigned date: 05 June, 2023, PreQC No. JNPC-23-107554 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 19 June, 2023, QC No. JNPC-23-107554;

Revised date: 26 June, 2023, Manuscript No. JNPC-23-107554 (R);

Published date: 06 July, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2573-4571.1000038

Citation: Wotton C (2023) Function of Public Health Nursing and its Evolution. J Nurs Patient Care 8:2.

Description

Public health nursing plays an important role in protecting and encouraging the health of communities by providing essential healthcare services and preventive measures. As a specialized field within the wider discipline of nursing, public health nursing focuses on improving population health and preventing diseases through education, advocacy, and comprehensive care.

Effects of public health nursing

Public health nursing has a significant impact on community wellbeing, observed through various measurable outcomes:

Reduced morbidity and mortality: Through targeted interventions and preventive measures, public health nursing significantly reduces the incidence of diseases and related mortality rates. Immunization campaigns, health screenings, and disease surveillance are few examples of techniques that have led to improved health outcomes.

Increased access to healthcare: Public health nurses frequently work in underserved areas, where access to healthcare services may be limited. By providing medicine more related to residence to these communities, they across the gap and ensure that individuals receive timely and appropriate care.

Empowered communities: By developing health comprehension and providing communities with the knowledge and equipment’s to assume responsibility for their health, public health nursing empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Enhanced emergency preparedness: In times of public medical emergencies, such as disease problems or natural disasters, public health nurses play an important role in emergency response. Their knowledge of emergency preparedness and management helps to communities improve navigate challenging situations.

Public health nursing's difficulties

Despite its essential role in promoting public well-being, public health nursing faces several challenges that can prevent its effectiveness:

Limited resources: Public health nursing frequently operates on financial limitations and resources, providing it challenging to implement large-scale programs. Adequate funding is essential to ensure the continuity and success of public health initiatives.

Overcoming stigma and misinformation: In some communities, public health nurses may experience response due to misconceptions or cultural stigmas associated with healthcare interventions. Overcoming these barriers requires cultural competence, effective communication, and creating reliability in the community.

Addressing health inequities: Health disparities endure in many communities, driven by factors such as income inequality, racial discrimination, and limited access to healthcare. Public health nurses must address these underlying social determinants of health to create meaningful and long-term transformation.

Role of public health nursing

Public health nursing aims to address the health needs of diverse populations, considering social determinants of health such as socioeconomic status and education, and access to healthcare. Public health nurses serve as intercommunity representatives and healthcare organizations, identifying health issues and devising targeted interventions to improve outcomes. Their roles encompass health promotion, disease prevention, and advocacy for vulnerable populations, all that aims at reducing health disparities and fostering healthier communities.

Public health nurses are responsible for designing and implementing health promotion programs that focus on preventative measures. These initiatives usually involve educating the public on subjects such as nutrition, exercise, immunizations, and chronic disease management. By empowering individuals with knowledge and promoting healthier lifestyles, public health nurses help to prevent the disease symptoms and reduce the stress on healthcare systems. Public health nurses conduct comprehensive assessments of communities to understand their unique health challenges and needs.