Public Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Public Health - Essay Example The primary goal of the nurses is to promote and preserve the health of the population through the assessment of the health needs, health planning, implementation and evaluation of the current impact of health services to the target population (Clark, 2008). The nurse is expected to act as a clinician, health educator by dissemination of correct disease prevention information, facilitator by establishing linkages and evaluator of the outcome of the nursing interventions. The nurses are involved in health promotion services and disease prevention in the communities (Carroll, 2004). The nurse is actively involved in health planning process by identifying the community health problems and environmental hazards that present high health risk to the target population (Clark, 2008). Role in health planning The nurse must collaborate with specific risk populations within the community in developing a public policy that will guide the disease prevention efforts (Phyllis, 2009, p 20). ... The community health nurse must be actively involved in setting the priorities for the health-related interventions that lead to great impact on the health of the population (Carroll, 2004). Accordingly, the nurse will be tasked with the design and outlining the key areas that will be covered in the health education campaigns and disease prevention efforts such as providing awareness on the need of immunizations, personal hygiene and disease screening (Phyllis, 2009, p 22). It is the duty of the nurse to identify the vulnerable and high-risk groups and provide the necessary assistance in preventing the communicable diseases (Clark, 2008). Role in implementation The nurse is expected to assist the patients to attain optimum health care in situations of ill health, injury or normal health. Accordingly, the nurse is tasked with maintaining client and administrative health records and adhering to the professional and legal framework regarding the confidentiality and privacy of patients ( Clark, 2008). The nurse must advocate for the dignity and respect of patients and respect the autonomy of the patients in regards to the health needs. In addition, the nurse is expected to promote the principles of fairness and equity while addressing the health needs of the clients and promoting healthy environment in the homes, schools and community. As an educator, the nurse is tasked with promoting higher results through constant review of the emerging issues regarding the health care promotion services (Carroll, 2004). The nurse has a collaborative role that entails working closely with other health care professionals such as occupational therapists psychologists, biostatisticians, and nutritionists in promotion the health