ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, JODHPUR

COLLEGE OF NURSING

SEMINAR

SUBJECT – Community Health Nursing - I

TOPIC – Community Health Nursing: Philosophy, Aims, Objectives, Concept &

Scope

SUBMITTED TO – SUBMITTED BY –
Dr. Satyaveer Rulaniya Mr. Shyoji Ram Mahaver

Nursing tutor M.Sc. Nursing 1st year

College Of Nursing, College of Nursing,

AIIMS, Jodhpur AIIMS, Jodhpur

DATE OF SUBMISSION- 11 SEPT.2023

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

S. NO. CONTENT PAGE NO.

Introduction of community health 3
1.
nursing

Philosophy of community health 3

2.
nursing

Aims of community health nursing 4

3.

Objectives of community health 5

4.
nursing

CHN:- Philosophy, Aims, Objectives 7

5.
(TABLE)

Concepts of community health 8

6.
nursing

Scope of community health nursing 9

7.

Summary 11
8.

Conclusion 11
9.

Bibliography 11
10.

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 INTRODUCTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

Health-"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence
of disease or infirmity" BY WHO

Community health- CH is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting
health and efficiency through organised effort for:

 The sanitation of environment

 Control of communicable diseases
 Education of the individual on personal hygiene - organization of medical and nursing services for the
early diagnosis and preventive treatment of diseases
 The development of social machinery so as to enable every citizen to realize his birth right of health
and longevity, to ensure every individual a standard of living, adequate enough for the maintenance of
good health.

Community health nursing

 "It is a special field of nursing that combines the skills of nursing, public health and some phases of
social assistance and functions for the promotion of health, improvement of social and physical
conditions and rehabilitation of illness and disability"- BY WHO

Community Health Nurse

 Community health nurse provides direct primary care in setting outside the institution, e.g. the houses,
at work place etc.
 Public health nurse functions in a community based setting established to address the health problems
of specific identified population.

PHILOSOPHY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

1) Philosophy of individual’s right of being healthy-

 Health is believed to be one of the rights of all human beings nationally and internationally
according to the WHO charter.
 Goal of health for all is based on the philosophy of individual’s right of being healthy. This
philosophy encompasses all the aspects of the society i.e socio-cultural, economic,aspects, so
that there is no hindrance of any kind to attain these rights.

2) Philosophy of working together under a competent leader for the common good
 It is from the primitive ages of human ages, man has learnt to live together to meet their needs.
 The basis of modern community health nursing is to share responsibility of helping each other.
 When it comes to considering a organization, equal participation of the people working through
the community groups/people with the people, for the people for their mutual benefit, change
in behavior and health practices.
 A democratic team functioning is essential for effective delivery of health care services.

3) Philosophy that people in the community have the potential for continual development and are
capable of dealing with their own problems if educated and helped.
 An individual with average intelligence can learn and deal with his/her own needs, modify
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 his/her lifestyles adjust to his or her changing enviournment i.e he can learn to solve his or her
problems.
 On the basis of this philosophy ,emphasis is placed on health education projected towards
individuals in home, health centre, place of work, school, community places or hospital.
 This helps to modify their behaviours respective to health.

4) Philosophy of Socialism
 Socialism as one of the social system in the community has control over production and
distribution e.g.: food, housing, material production of all kinds, education, transportation, etc.
should be shared with all people.

AIMS COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

The aims of community health nursing are multifaceted and align with the broader goals of public
health. Community health nurses play a critical role in promoting and preserving the health and well-being of
individuals, families, and communities. Their aims are based on evidence-based practices and principles that
focus on preventive care, health promotion, and equitable access to healthcare. Here's a detailed explanation
of the aims of community health nursing, supported by authentic references:

1. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

A. Aim: The primary aim of community health nursing is to promote health and prevent disease among
individuals and communities.
B. Explanation: Community health nurses engage in health education, immunization campaigns, and
preventive interventions to reduce the incidence of diseases and encourage healthy behaviors.

2. Reduction of Health Disparities

A. Aim: Community health nurses aim to reduce health disparities and inequities within communities.
B. Explanation: They focus on addressing social determinants of health, advocating for underserved
populations, and implementing interventions to narrow the gap in health outcomes.

3. Community Empowerment
A. Aim: Empowering communities to take control of their health is a central aim of community health
nursing.
B. Explanation: Nurses work collaboratively with communities, helping them identify their strengths and
resources to promote self-care and sustainable health practices.

4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
A. Aim: Community health nurses aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex health
issues.
B. Explanation: Collaboration with healthcare professionals, public health agencies, and community
organizations ensures comprehensive care and a holistic approach to community health.

5. Cultural Competence
A. Aim: Nurses aim to provide culturally competent care and address the diverse cultural backgrounds
and beliefs of the communities they serve.
B. Explanation: Cultural competence enhances communication, trust, and the effectiveness of healthcare
interventions within culturally diverse communities.

6. Evidence-Based Practice
A. Aim: Community health nurses aim to practice evidence-based nursing, relying on research findings to
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 guide interventions.
B. Explanation: Evidence-based practice ensures that interventions are effective, safe, and grounded in
the best available scientific knowledge.

7. Public Health Advocacy

A. Aim: Advocating for public health policies, resources, and equitable access to healthcare is a core aim.
B. Explanation: Nurses play a crucial role in advocating for policies that promote community health, such
as access to clean water, nutritious food, and healthcare services.

8. Disaster Preparedness and Response

A. Aim: Community health nurses aim to be prepared to respond to public health emergencies and
disasters.
B. Explanation: Preparedness and response activities contribute to the safety and resilience of
communities during emergencies.

9. Health Education and Promotion

A. Aim: Providing health education and promotion activities to equip communities with knowledge and
skills is an essential aim.
B. Explanation: Health education empowers individuals and communities to make informed health
decisions and adopt healthier lifestyles.

OBJECTIVES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

The objectives of community health nursing encompass a range of goals and actions aimed at improving the
health and well-being of communities, populations, and individuals within those communities. These
objectives guide the practice of community health nurses and contribute to the overall mission of public
health. Below, I'll explain these objectives in detail.

1. Health Promotion and Education

A. Objective: To promote health and prevent illness through education and awareness.
B. Explanation: Community health nurses engage in health education and health promotion activities
to empower individuals and communities with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions
about their health. This includes teaching about healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and access to
healthcare resources.

2. Disease Prevention
A. Objective: To prevent the spread of diseases and reduce health risks.
B. Explanation: Nurses work to identify and control communicable diseases, implement
immunization programs, and promote behaviors that reduce the risk of disease transmission. They
also focus on screening and early detection of health conditions to prevent their progression.

3. Community Assessment
A. Objective: To assess the health needs, assets, and challenges within a community.
B. Explanation: Community health nurses conduct comprehensive assessments to identify health
disparities, social determinants of health, and specific health issues within a community. This data
informs the development of targeted interventions and programs.

4. Health Equity and Social Justice

A. Objective: To advocate for health equity and social justice.
B. Explanation: Nurses work to address health disparities and inequalities by advocating for policies
and practices that promote equitable access to healthcare and resources. They strive to ensure that
everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health regardless of socio-economic status, race,
or other factors.
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5. Access to Care
A. Objective: To facilitate access to healthcare services.
B. Explanation: Community health nurses play a role in connecting individuals and communities with
appropriate healthcare resources. This may involve providing information about available services,
assisting with enrollment in health programs, and reducing barriers to access.

6. Community Empowerment
A. Objective: To empower individuals and communities to take control of their health.
B. Explanation: Nurses engage communities in decision-making, support self-care initiatives, and
help communities develop their strengths and resources for better health outcomes. Empowerment
encourages active participation in health-related activities.

7. Disaster Preparedness and Response

A. Objective: To prepare communities for emergencies and respond to disasters.
B. Explanation: Nurses collaborate with emergency management agencies to develop disaster plans,
educate communities about preparedness, and provide healthcare services during and after
disasters. This objective ensures the resilience of communities in times of crisis.

8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
A. Objective: To collaborate with diverse healthcare professionals and organizations.
B. Explanation: Nurses work as part of interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, social workers,
public health officials, and community organizations, to address complex health issues
comprehensively. Collaboration ensures a holistic approach to care.

9. Advocacy
A. Objective: To advocate for the health and well-being of communities.
B. Explanation: Nurses advocate for policies, resources, and programs that promote public health.
They also advocate on behalf of individuals and communities to ensure their voices are heard in
healthcare decision-making.

10. Research and Evidence-Based Practice

A. Objective: To engage in research and evidence-based practice.
B. Explanation: Community health nurses use research findings and evidence-based guidelines to
guide their interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of programs. They may also engage in
research to contribute to the field of public health and nursing.

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 COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING: PHILOSOPHY, AIMS, OBJECTIVES

Sr. Philosophy Aims Objectives

no

1. Philosophy of 1. Promote health  under-fives’ clinics

Individual’s right and efficiency  Geriatric care
of being healthy 2. Prevent and control  Mental health care facilities
diseases and  clinics adults, children elderly and handicapped
disabilities.  Rehabilitation facilities
3. Prolong life  MCH and family planning services
4. Restore health when it  use of local health services
is impaired  healthy ways of living
5. Minimize suffering  Community health nursing services
and distress.  School health services.
6. To improve quality  occupational health services
of life  Home care
7. To improve standard of  Nursing home
living  managing health services
8. To control and  provision of safe water
counteract
environment.
2. Philosophy of 9. To strengthen self-care  Collaborate with government and other local
working together activities of individuals organizations
under a competent 1. Effective functioning  Research -solving health problems and
leader for the of health care workers. enhancing community health practice
common good 2. To enhance the  Collaborate with Client, Physician, therapist,
community health Epidemiologist, occupational therapist etc.
practices.  Leadership role focuses on affecting change,
3. To strengthen thus the nurse becomes an agent of change.
community resources  to initiate changers that positively affect
people's health.
 Supervise, guide and help health personnel in
carrying out their functions effectively

3. people in the 1. To increase capability of  Health education

community have individuals, families,  Role play
the potential for groups and community to  Health camp
continual deal with their own  Advertisement
development and health and nursing  Health programme
capable of problems  National day celebration
2. To strengthen self-care
dealing with their
activities of individuals
own problems if 3. Reduce bourdon on
educated and hospital workers
helped 4. Awareness

4. Philosophy of To provide equal opportunity  Projects e.g.; women's cooperatives, literacy

Socialism
programmes.
 Health insurance scheme
 Free education
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 CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

Community health nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of individuals, families,
and communities within their local settings. This nursing practice is grounded in the principles of public
health and aims to promote and maintain the health and well-being of communities. Below, I'll mention the
concepts of community health nursing, which are following:

1. Population-Centered Care:

A. Community health nursing is population-centered, meaning it focuses on the health of entire

communities or specific populations within those communities.

B. Nurses assess the unique health needs of populations and develop interventions and strategies to
address these needs effectively.

2. Health Promotion and Prevention:

A. A central concept in community health nursing is health promotion and disease prevention. Nurses
work to prevent health problems, promote healthy behaviors, and protect individuals and
communities from diseases and health risks.

B. This includes initiatives such as immunization campaigns, health education, and advocating for
healthy environments.

3. Community Assessment:

A. Community health nurses conduct comprehensive assessments of communities to identify health

disparities, social determinants of health, and specific health needs.

B. They use data collection and analysis to determine the most pressing health concerns and prioritize
interventions accordingly.

4. Collaborative Practice:

A. Collaboration is a fundamental concept in community health nursing. Nurses work closely with other
healthcare professionals, community organizations, and stakeholders to address health issues.

B. Interdisciplinary collaboration ensures a holistic approach to health promotion and disease

prevention.

5. Cultural Competence:

A. Community health nurses must be culturally competent, recognizing and respecting the diverse
cultural backgrounds and beliefs of the populations they serve.

B. Cultural competence facilitates effective communication and tailoring of healthcare practices to meet
the needs of different cultural groups.

6. Advocacy:

A. Advocacy for vulnerable populations and underserved communities is a key role of community health
nurses. They work to ensure that individuals have access to healthcare resources and equitable care.

B. Nurses advocate for policy changes that positively impact the health of communities.
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 7. Community Empowerment:

A. Empowering communities to take charge of their health is a central concept in community health
nursing. Nurses engage communities in decision-making, health education, and self-care.

B. Empowerment encourages communities to develop their strengths and resources for better health
outcomes.

8. Environmental Health:

A. Community health nurses consider the impact of environmental factors on health. This includes
addressing issues like pollution, safe drinking water, sanitation, and disaster preparedness.

B. They advocate for and contribute to creating healthier environments for communities.

9. Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Care:

A. Community health nursing encompasses all levels of care: primary prevention (health promotion and
education), secondary prevention (early disease detection and intervention), and tertiary prevention
(managing and preventing complications of established diseases).

10. Epidemiology and Outcomes Evaluation:

A. Nurses use epidemiological principles to monitor and evaluate the impact of interventions on
community health.

B. They assess the effectiveness of programs and interventions in improving health outcomes.

SCOPE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

 Health, in particular, agriculture, animal husbandry, food. Industry, education, housing, public works,
communications and other sectors.
 The emphasis is on the promotion and protection of health.
 The scope of community health nursing includes health promotion,illness prevention and
restoration of health of individuals, families, and communities
 The scope of nursing is wide;there is still a much wider scope for a nurse.
 Nurse can work in different place, such as home care, nursing home,school health centre,old age
home, industries.

1. Home care
2. Nursing care
3. School health nursing
4. MCH and family planning services
5. Community health nursing services
6. Industrial nursing
7. Domiciliary nursing
8. Mental health nursing
9. Geriatric care
10. Rehabilitation centre

1. HOME CARE-Extended nursing care services are received by number of patient at their home
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 when hospital are overcrowded for admitting the patients who reguire indoor care or when a patient
is in need of isolated treatment.even preventive and promotive services are provided to the people at
their home to maintain and achieve health.

2. NURSING HOME-The nursing home are privately run .they have better medical care facilities
than the goverment hospitals because they charge more fees.the nursing component in nursing home
is generally well catered for.

3. SCHOOL HEALTH NURSING

 The nurse she can also work as SHN in school.
 The SHN renders services
 to prevent diseases.
 to promote and maintain good health of the school children's

 The school health programmes are carried out by PHC.

 The nurse provides her services in the area likes -health
education, early diagnosis of disease
 immunization.
 first aid
 dental health
 school sanitation, maintenance of health records, follow up and referral services.

4. MCH AND FAMILY PLANNING

 The public health nurse plays a major role in the MCH and FP services
 It consists antenatal, post natel,child care services.
 Nurse can easily motivate the mothers to accept the FP methods and gain their cooperation in
adopting to a small family norm.

5. COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING SERVICES

 The CHN includes nursing care of the family in sickness and health.
 The CHN should be able to.....
 to provide PHC in the community
 to conduct routine antenatal and postnatal visits and to conduct deliveries when required
 to carry out immunization
 to promote health of the children by conducting under five clinic.and referring cases who require
medical care.
 to assess the social envirnomental and nutritional needs of the community. And get the help of
social workers to meet these needs.

6. INDUSTRIAL NURSING SERVICES-the nurse can also work in industries.

 So many nurse are work in industries, where 500 are more worker are employed.
 In industries -there is necessary for appointment of medical staff and nursing staff in factories.
 The nursing services in industries are.....
 First aid
 Regular health check up
 Care of the sick and injured
 industrial safety.

7. DOMICILLARY NURSING SERVICES-The areas where domiciliary nursing is practiced in this

country are
 maternity services
 health supervision
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  diseases prevention services
 services for illness and accidents
 the scope is limitless for organizing domicillary visits

8. MENTAL HEALTH NURSING SERVICES-Many developing countries have mental health

services today.These services include
 early diagnosis and treatment
 rehabilitation
 psychotherapy
 use of mordern psychotropic drugs and after care services
 MHN is yet to be developed in india

9. GERIATRIC CARE-The number of old people increasing in the world today. The need of old is
different and they need more care than the younger age groups. In many countries the old age
people are visited by the nurses and other health care workers

10. REHABILITATION CENTRES-

 Rehabilitation means restoration of all treated cases to the highest level of functional ability
 Nursing is an important component in the rehabilitation of the disabled.

SUMMARY
Today We have discussed regarding introduction, philosophy, aims, objectives, concepts and scope of
community health nursing.

CONCLUSION
 Community as a field of practice seeks to provide organizational structure a broad set of resources
and the collaborative activities needed to accomplish the goal of an optimally healthy community.
 The primary focus of community health nursing is on the health promotion, community health
nursing is a nursing aspect of organized community health programme and is a specialized area of
professional nursing practice.
 It is a unique blend of nursing and community health woven into a service which when properly
developed and implemented can have a tremendous impact on health

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Park. K. Preventive and social medicine.Jabalpur: Banarsidas Bhanot; 2019.

 Gulani K.K. Community health Nursing Practice and Principles New Delhi; 2005.
 https://www.slideshare.net/krishnagar90/concept-objectives-scope-principles-philosophy-of-
community-health-nurse
 https://www.slideshare.net/drjayeshpatidar/community-health-nursing-20009425
 Oswal K, Kanodia R, Pradhan A, Avhad M, Sethuraman L, Kharodia N, Venkataramanan R,
Carduff C, Purushotham A. The role of frontline community health workers in the non-
communicable disease screening program in Assam, India: Current trends, challenges and scope-
A time and motion study. Journal of Cancer Policy. 2020 Dec 1;26:100254.

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