Veronica M. Aberle, MSN, RN¹, Theresa Heaton, BSN, MPH², Patricia Donald, MS, BSN³, Wanda Aberle, MS, RN¹, and Illinois Public Health Nursing Roundtable². (1) Nursing, Peoria City/County Health Department, 2116 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61604-3492, (309) 679-6011, vmaberle@co.peoria.il.us, (2) Kane County (IL) Health Department, 210 S. Sixth Street, Geneva, IL 60134, (3) Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085

This paper presents the practice perspective of an Illinois statewide partnership designed to strengthen public health nurse practice. In 2000, the Public Health Nursing Roundtable, through the Illinois Public Health Nurse Administrators’ Association (IPHNA) actively pursued partners to advance the public health nurse workforce in population-focused practice at the individual, community and system levels. Joining the IPHNA members at the Roundtable were the Advancing Public Health Nursing Education (APHNE) project members, other nurse educators and clinicians in the Illinois Public Health Association. To enhance the practice of new and experienced PHNs, the Roundtable initially focused on the development of an orientation plan resulting in The Public Health Nurse Toolbox. Through support of practice and education partners, the PHN Toolbox was implemented in all local health departments. The current PHN Roundtable focus is training, competency development and on-going evaluation of the PHN Toolbox. The clinical partners have participated in the APHNE project to explore the role of practice-based preceptors and identify researchable questions promoting the health of the public. Through expanded partnerships, Illinois public health nurses have a clearer vision of who they are and what we can be together. We are gaining a stronger voice within the nursing profession and the healthcare community. Students are better able to link the classroom with practice and understand the importance of the work of PHNs. At the same time, PHN staff are seeing the “big picture” and finding new excitement and confidence in their work.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the practice perspective of three key elements for establishing a statewide practice-education partnership
• List four strategies used to overcome barriers to establishing and maintaining a statewide practice-education partnership
• Identify two new perspectives on statewide education–practice partnerships

Keywords: Public Health Nursing, Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.