What are some major differences between the assessment of a public health nurse and a clinical nurse
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With the help of Aspen University’s Dean of Nursing, Dr. Marcos Gayol, we break down the important differences between public health nurses vs community health nurses. Show
 History of Public Health NursingPublic health nursing began in the mid-1800s in England when Florence Nightingale trained nurses in the district nursing concept. Nurses were assigned and responsible for the health of the people in specific London neighborhoods. These nurses helped improve patient health by providing community channels and information on topics like sanitation and education. This model of nursing popped up in the U.S. in New York City in 1877. Around this time, Lillian Wald — who coined the phrase “public health nurse” — emerged as a leader in the field. She realized that sickness found in the home originated as societal problems and directed nursing efforts toward employment, sanitation, and education. Ward served as the first president of the National Organization of Public Health Nurses, formed in 1912. In 1913, the first public health nurse for the U.S. Public Health Service was appointed. The United States has improved population health through public health intervention and quality clinical care. As a result, life expectancy rose to 78.8 in 2015, a decade longer than in 1950. However, racial, cultural, and economic disparities persist across many health outcomes and conditions. A lot of these challenges require community-based intervention. Different types of nurses help monitor and treat public health issues. “Think of a spectrum,” says Dr. Marcos Gayol, Assistant Dean of Nursing at Aspen University. “Directly in the middle of the spectrum is Public Health. On the one end is Community Health, and on the opposite end is Global Health.” “Global Health is a broad focus on issues that can impact the health of a nation, economies, and the interconnectivity countries have with other countries.” Dr. Gayol adds, “However, the line between Community Health and Public Health is a source of confusion for many people. The two roles are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences.” Public Health NurseThe American Public Health Association (APHA) defines public health nursing as “the practice of promoting and protecting the health of populations using knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences.” The public health nurse’s scope of practice includes policy reform, system-level changes, and health promotion. This nursing practice includes advocacy, policy development, and planning. Dr. Gayol adds, “It is the balance where health professionals work toward health promotion and illness prevention with a focus on identifying the origins of disease then determining how policy, education, and health systems can work together toward improved health outcomes.” For example, if an illness outbreak such as measles, tuberculosis, or hepatitis B occurs, the public health nurse will evaluate the need and develop a program for an immunization clinic. Public health nurses often work for the government — usually county though can be state or federal. They work in health departments, correctional facilities, worksites, and other locations where population-specific nursing care is in need. For example, they monitor for trends in disease outbreak and prevention, run flu clinics, and work to reduce illnesses like heart disease by providing education to their town. Community Health NurseCommunity health nurses maximize the health status of individuals, families, groups, and the community through direct approach with them. A community health nurse combines facets of direct care and public health practice to a target population of patients who may not have access to — or be able to afford — health services. The community health nurse’s scope of practice includes educating and developing intervention plans for individuals, families, or groups about illness and disease prevention, safe health practices, nutrition, and wellness, among other topics. For example, a community health nurse might meet with young mothers to provide valuable immunization information or teach a new diabetic how to give insulin injections by practicing with an orange. Community health nurses work within the community. This can be for a public entity such as a school district or community clinic. The types of communities these nurses serve will vary; economic situation, school, and culture all play a part in dictating community needs. “What may be a health issue in downtown Atlanta, GA may not be a health issue in rural Tennessee – therefore Community Health is specific to a location, as well,” says Dr. Gayol. Many work in Community Health Centers. Similar to those who work in primary care offices, these nurses provide preventive care, immunizations, treat urgent illnesses, education, and medication refills — to name a few. Community nurses can also work for public health departments or parishes. SpecializationsPublic health or community nurses may specialize in:
Community health nurses might focus on a particular aspect of health care like HIV/AIDS or mental health treatment. Advanced community health nurses can also find opportunities in higher education or clinical research. Becoming a Public Health (or Community Health Nurse)To become a public health or community health nurse, you first need to enter a Public Health education track toward that career goal. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is recommended for entry-level public health nurses. A BSN program covers fundamental concepts for public health nursing, such as “clinical prevention, population health, healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environments, and interpersonal collaboration.” The Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in public health or higher provides specialized knowledge required for leadership positions. “Competencies include mastery of interprofessional collaboration, health policy and advocacy, population assessment, prevention strategies, and program planning and evaluation.” Some nurses pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD, or other researched-focused doctoral degrees. In some states, public health nursing registration is required to validate specific competencies. What Now? The role of the public health nurse — and the ways they work to maintain healthy populations — has continued to evolve. Today, public health nurses “comprise the largest segment of the professional public health workforce.” There is a call for public health to meet 21st-century challenges — such as rapid fluctuation in staffing and funding and America’s aging population. “In Public Health and Community Health Nursing, engagement, involvement, and education are the most important components for the success of a health program,” says Dr. Gayol. “A more educated society is a healthier society.” UPDATE 3/23/2020Public Health, Community Health, and Covid-19While public health officials continue to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to understand each of our roles in helping to prevent the transmission of contagious illness. The Public Health Nurse (PHN) and the Community Health Nurse (CHN) play a vital role in educating populations about how viruses are spread, how to prevent the spread of viruses, and how to promote health within our society. The basis for practice of both the PHN and CHN is the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. In addition to population-specific nursing care, PHNs and CHNs have additional education and training in concepts of epidemiology, which is foundational knowledge of any public health professional. “In response to COVID-19, CHNs will be delivering health services, working to promote health and prevent illness in individuals, groups, and families,” says Dr. Gayol. “The main goal is to increase community awareness about routes of transmission and to educate communities based on recommendations from our national and state health authorities. Because community health nursing is encompassed within public health, PHNs may also provide direct care; however, the focus for PHNs is broader and extends to assessment, planning, and implementation of health interventions for entire populations.” Both CHNs and PHNs are on the front lines fighting against the COVID-19 public health emergency and serve as an essential part of the health of our local communities and beyond. Aspen University offers online RN to BSN, specialized MSN, and DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) programs to help you become a public health or community health nurse. What is one difference between public health nurses and most other nurses?While most nurses care for one patient at a time, public health nurses care for entire populations. Working with whole communities allows public health nurses to help educate the community about health issues that can improve their health and safety and facilitate access to care.
What is the difference between public health and clinical health?The easiest way to explain public health is that it deals with health from the perspective of populations, not individuals. The clinical health care provider — your doctor, nurse, or dentist — helps you with your own personal healthcare issues.
What is the difference between public health and a nurse?Nurses care for patients, administer medicine, and work closely with physicians and other team members. Public health professionals focus on reducing exposures or other factors that may lead people to seek a nurse's care.
What is the key difference between public health nurses and community nurses?Public health nurses review historical records, scientific studies and population data to determine how to prevent injuries or illnesses and promote health across populations. In contrast, Community health nurses focus more on the resources that community members have access to that support health and well-being.
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