3.00 Credits
(Prerequisite: NURS B356 and NURS B358 for pre-licensure students; NURS B350 for all nursing students; Co-requisite) Primary prevention strategies for populations at risk are emphasized to promote and protect health and prevent disease across the life span. Local, state and national health policies, political and economic influences will be part of the analysis of community issues and activities. An inter-disciplinary, collaborative approach is taken in community assessment, decision-making, planning, implementation and evaluation throughout community health nursing practice. The role and functions of agencies that deliver public health, community-based is presented. These functions include communicable disease reporting, control and management, environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and management, the care of vulnerable populations, and public education. Community assessment and agency coordination at the local, regional, and national level is discussed. Principles of epidemiology, surveillance, environmental influences on health, strategies for dealing with public health issues will be presented in caring for populations. The place for community based and public health nursing as part of a coordinated/dis-coordinated care system at the local, regional, and national level will be examined. National and state agencies such as the CDC, DHEC and American Red Cross will serve as exemplars for the care coordination.