Community & Public Health Nursing

NR.542 3 credits Semester 3

Course Overview

Community and Public Health Nursing shifts focus from individual patients to population health and disease prevention. This course teaches epidemiology, communicable and non-communicable disease control, health promotion, and vulnerable populations. Students explore the social determinants of health, health disparities, and their impact on community health outcomes. The course covers epidemiologic investigations, outbreak responses, disaster preparedness, and home health services. Students learn community assessment methods, program planning and evaluation, and the nurse's role in advocacy and policy. Emphasis is on evidence-based interventions that improve population health.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand epidemiologic principles and methods for investigating health problems
  • Assess community health needs and develop evidence-based interventions
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs
  • Identify and address health disparities in vulnerable populations
  • Prepare for and respond to public health emergencies and disasters
  • Advocate for policy changes that improve population health and health equity

Lecture Topics

  • Week 1: Epidemiology Fundamentals - Disease and Health Promotion
  • Week 1: Epidemiologic Study Designs and Data Analysis
  • Week 2: Communicable Disease Control - Transmission and Prevention
  • Week 2: Infectious Disease Reporting and Investigation
  • Week 3: Non-Communicable Diseases - CVD, Cancer, Diabetes, COPD
  • Week 3: Social Determinants of Health and Health Disparities
  • Week 4: Vulnerable Populations - Poverty, Homelessness, Immigrant Health
  • Week 5: Community Health Assessment and Needs Identification
  • Week 5: Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
  • Week 6: Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response
  • Week 7: Home Health Nursing and Transitional Care
  • Week 8: Health Policy Advocacy and Community Nursing Leadership

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Resources

Community & Public Health Nursing (Stanhope & Lancaster)

Comprehensive textbook covering epidemiology, community assessment, program planning, and health promotion strategies.

Required

CDC Epidemiology Manual and Training Resources

Official guidance on disease investigation, outbreak response, and epidemiologic methods.

Required

Healthy People 2030 Objectives and Progress Tracking

National health goals and measurement frameworks for population health improvement initiatives.

Free

Community Health Assessment Tools and Examples

Templates and real-world examples for conducting community needs assessments and identifying priorities.

Free