Course Overview

This course is composed of eight three-hour modules. The course was initially developed for registered nurses only but it has been modified to form two distinct parts. The first part (modules 1 – 3) is presented by videoconference and addresses core concepts applicable to multidisciplinary public health providers. This planned educational experience is designed to aid public health professionals in developing a basic understanding of public health responsibilities in a variety of health settings. LPNs, social workers, health educators and nutritionists who are new to the public health setting may join RNs who enroll in these three core modules. The second part (modules 4 – 8) is presented in a workshop setting and is designed for public health nurses only. Emphasis in these modules is placed on a synthesis of nursing practice and public health. Nursing services directed to individuals, families, and groups will be presented in the context of improving the health of the entire community.

RN Participants

Successful completion of this course is a legal requirement for public health nurses who do not have a BSN during their first year of employment with a local health department. Ideal timing is after the first six weeks of employment, but the course must be completed within the first year of public health practice.

This course is open to:

• Registered nurses employed in public health agencies;
• Public health nurses who have not had course preparation in public health or have limited educational preparation in public health;
• Public health nurses who have completed their BSN, but need additional public health preparation.

This course is a prerequisite for the Physical Assessment of Adults Course for nurses who do not have a BSN.

Social Work Participants

This course is a prerequisite for Principles and Practices of Public Health Social Work, which will be held after the first three multidisciplinary modules of this introductory course (dates to be announced). Principles and Practices of Public Health Social Work is for all social workers hired in public health positions within the past year. The course is designed to integrate the knowledge gained through this introductory course with the principles and practice of social work. Attending both programs is necessary in order to gain a better understanding of the role social work plays in the delivery of public health services.

Course Goals

• To assure minimum competencies in the practice of public health and public health nursing.
• To increase the competencies of beginning public health nurses.
• To comply with the administrative rule requiring minimum education in public health nursing to practice as a public health nurse in North Carolina.
• To comply with Medicare requirements for entry preparation for public health nursing.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, local public health nurses will be able to:

• Discuss the role of public health and its core functions;
• Identify essential data to assess health care needs of patients and communities;
• Discuss the forces, including economics, shaping the current health care system;
• Apply principles of public health practice to care provided in local health departments in North Carolina;
• Describe the community as a patient;
• Use case studies to determine the effectiveness of health services provided (using performance characteristics as standard assessment process);
• Discuss the application of the nursing process to public health nursing care for individuals, families and groups;
• Identify trends and issues influencing public health and public health nursing practice in North Carolina;
• Describe skills needed to manage care of clients in the community;
• Discuss the role of public health and public health nurses in disasters.

Course Schedule

RN participants are required to complete a pre-test and should arrive at 11:30 am for the first videoconference class.

The first three sessions will be presented by videoconference and will meet on the dates specified from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the videoconference sites. Content will include the following:

• Course Orientation, Public Health History and Science, Core Functions, Public Health Concepts and the Public Health Team
• The Basics of Epidemiology & Community Diagnosis
• The U.S. Health Care Delivery Systems and Impact of Economics on Health Outcomes

The remaining five sessions are open only to RNs and will be presented in a workshop setting. Sessions will begin at 8:30 am on March 17 and 9:00 am on March 18 and 19. Class will end at 4:30 pm on Monday and Tuesday and at 12 noon on Wednesday. Sessions include content on the following:

• Public Health Nursing: Roles and Functions
• The Client and Community Served
• Disaster Planning and Management
• Customizing Care
• Cultural Assessment and Interventions

All RNs who do not have a BSN must take the course and will be expected to complete a final written exam which will include content from all eight modules. The exam will be administered by a nursing supervisor or director in the county of employment.

Text

Demetrius James Porche, Public and Community Health Nursing Practice, 2004 Edition. A copy of the text has been provided to all local health departments. It may also be ordered from UNC-CH Health Affairs Bookstore; phone 919-966-2208.

Sponsors

• Public Health Nursing and Professional Development, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• The North Carolina Institute for Public Health, School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Public Health Training and Information Network
• Public Health Nursing Continuing Education Advisory Committee 

CE Credit

Nursing contact hours will be awarded by Public Health Nursing and Professional Development, which is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the North Carolina Nurses Association. NCNA is an accredited approver by the America Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Hotel Information

All participants at the March 17-19 program in Greensboro are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Clarion Hotel for check-in on Sunday, March 16 and departure on Wednesday, March 19. Rates nightly are $63.75. Check-in time is 3:00 pm and check out time is noon. You must make your reservation by calling 336-299-7650 before February 15 and mentioning that you are with the NC Institute for Public Health to get the discount rate. The Clarion Hotel is located at 415 Swing Road in Greensboro.

Public Health Competencies

The core competencies represent a set of skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for the broad practice of public health. They transcend the boundaries of the specific disciplines within public health and help to unify the profession. This course addresses the competencies listed below. Click on a competency number to view the full text.

Emergency Preparedness a, b, c, d, h, i, j
Essential Services 1a, 1b, 1c, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1k, 3c, 3d, 4a, 4f, 5a, 6a, 7a, 9b

More information on the public health competencies.

Registration and Fees

Deadline: February 1, 2008

Register online, fax 919-966-5692; phone 919-966-4032

Registration policies