Health promotion and disease prevention depend on a population perspective that allows for the identification of risks and the mobilization of protective and remedial interventions for both the individual and the community. This has been the vision of public health for more than a century, but this mission has been limited by the fact that public interventions are often in conflict with political, social, religious, and commercial interests. It is inevitable that public health will continue to face ideological conflict because of political, commercial and religious differences" (Mechanic, 1998). Differences not historically within the focus of concern of organized nursing. One issue of particular relevance to all concerned with public heath is the adequacy of the preparation of the workforce. There is a potential that the workforce may be unable to meet the challenges which exist in this new millennium. The role of the professional nurses association is viewed as being that of advocating and/or lobbying for policy and laws supporting public health issues. Public health nurses responding to the survey expressed a variety of sentiments as to how organized nursing can advance the nation's health. Organized nursing must understand and accept that public health is not acute care in a community or ambulatory care setting. Organized nursing should be leading and/or collaborating with public health organizations and lobbying for effective public policy.
Learning Objectives: Following attendance at this session, the learner will have the ability to: 1. Identify stakeholders with whom organized nursing should align itself on issues related to public health; 2. Define the top five public health issues identified by survey respondents; and 3. Discuss the role of the professional nursing organization in relation to public health.
Keywords: Public Health Nursing,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Nurses Association
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment