Module Components

• Overview

Topics

• Definitions
• Public Health Nursing Origins
• Basic Concepts
• Scope and Standards of Practice
• Public Health Nursing Roles

Nurs 467 - Public Health Nursing

Module 1: Foundational Concepts - Introduction

Public Health Nursing Origins

Public Health over the Ages

The origins of public health date back centuries. From ancient drainage systems to written codes governing sanitation, community and even personal hygiene, prevention and wellness was always an important theme in public health. The recognition that microbes cause infection and the subsequent development of antibiotics and vaccines followed in later years. Today, public health is a complex science focused on promoting health and preventing disease. Public health practice crosses many sectors, including public and private industry, educational institutions, and governments. Public health is also a global endeavor. A number of agencies in the US and other countries provide public health services all over the world. Public health practice is multidisciplinary, employing nurses, physicians, public health workers and a host of other professionals.

Public Health Nursing

There is evidence that nursing practice existed dating back to the Roman Era. Families cared for their wounded and ill relatives, essentially providing community-based nursing care. Into the Middle Ages, similar care was provided by nuns and servants. During the period between 1500 – 1860, nursing care was conducted by lay people without formal training (Lundy and Janes, 2009).

 

Florence Nightingale pioneered the use of public health principles and epidemiology in nursing. She single-handedly changed the image of nursing after the Crimean War when she reduced mortality among the soldiers from 77% to 2%. Nightingale also played a significant role in establishing district nursing. Her work with William Rathbone was a precursor to district nursing in Europe and the United States.

Lillian Wald is credited with being the founder of public health nursing. She founded the Henry Street Settlement with her classmate and business partner Mary Brewster in 1893. The service began as a health promotion effort, teaching methods to prevent infectious disease, sanitation and nutrition to a group of poor immigrants. The Henry Street Settlement became a hub in the community. Supported by local patrons, the organization was able to provide an array of social, educational and recreational programs in addition to health services.

There have been countless other public health nurses since Lillian Wald who have made significant contributions to the field of public health. Today, public health nurses work in a variety of areas including policy, epidemiology, government, community advocacy and education. Be sure you have read the History of Public Health Nursing article!