Functions of community
- 2. INTRODUCTION – “Community health nursing is a synthesis of nursing practice applied in promoting and preserving the health of the population. Community health implies integration of curative, preventive and promotional health services. The aim of community diagnosis is the identification of community health problems.
- 3. DEFINITION – It is a synthesis of nursing and public health practice applied to promoting and preserving the health of the people.
- 4. AIMS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING To promote health and efficiency. Prevention and control diseases and disabilities. Need based health care to prolong life.
- 5. OBJECTIVES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING Provide antenatal, intranatal and postnatal, care to ensure safe pregnancy and delivery. Immunization. Provide under five children care. Health education. To improve the ability of the community to deal with their own health problems.
- 6. To strengthen the community resources. To prevent and control communicable and non-communicable diseases. To provide specialized services. To conduct research.
- 7. PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING It should be planned based on the needs of the community. It is based on identified needs and functions. Integration of Health education, guidance and supervision with community health nursing services. Health services should be realistic in terms of available resources. Community is the focus which is the unit of health care services.
- 8. Professional relationship with etiquette and dignity. Community participation is the integral part of the community health services. Individual and family members participation in decision making. Health services must be continuous.
- 9. Proper records and reports are essential. Proper evaluation of health services. Health services must be available to all without any difference.
- 10. COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS – PLANNER/PROGRAMMER Identifies needs, priorities, and problems of individuals, families, and communities. Formulates municipal health plan in the absence of a medical doctor. Interprets and implements nursing plan, program policies, memoranda, and circular for the concerned staff personnel. Provides technical assistance to rural health midwives in health matters.
- 11. – PROVIDER OF NURSING CARE Provides direct nursing care to sick or disabled in the home, clinic, school, or workplace. Develops the family’s capability to take care of the sick, disabled, or dependent member.
- 12. – COMMUNITY ORGANIZER Motivates and enhances community participation in terms of planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating health services. Initiates and participates in community development activities.
- 13. – COORDINATOR OF SERVICES Coordinates with individuals, families, and groups for health related services provided by various members of the health team. Coordinates nursing program with other health programs like environmental sanitation, health education, dental health, and mental health.
- 14. – TRAINER/HEALTH EDUCATOR Identifies and interprets training needs of the RHMs, Barangay Health Workers (BHW), and hilots. Conducts training for RHMs and hilots on promotion and disease prevention. Conducts pre and post-consultation conferences for clinic clients; acts as a resource speaker on health and health related services. Initiates the use of tri-media (radio/TV, cinema plugs, and print ads) for health education purposes. Conducts pre-marital counseling.
- 15. – HEALTH MONITOR Detects deviation from health of individuals, families, groups, and communities through contacts/visits with them. – ROLE MODEL Provides good example of healthful living to the members of the community.
- 16. – CHANGE AGENT Motivates changes in health behavior in individuals, families, groups, and communities that also include lifestyle in order to promote and maintain health. – RESEARCHER Participates in the conduct of survey studies and researches on nursing and health-related subjects. Coordinates with government and non-government organization in the implementation of studies/research.
- 17. – RESEARCHER Participates in the conduct of survey studies and researches on nursing and health-related subjects. Coordinates with government and non-government organization in the implementation of studies/research.