Community Nursing Practice : Theory, Skills and Issues

Community practice is a stimulating and diverse field of nursing. Community nurses often work without direct support from other health professionals and need, not only excellent clinical skills, but also skills in communication, research and health promotion.

Community Nursing Practice offers a thorough introduction to the role of the community nurse. Based on principles of primary health care, it outlines the theory, knowledge and skills required to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, groups, and even whole communities.

The contributors make a point of articulating knowledge that is often taken for granted among experienced practitioners. Community Nursing Practice is based on the premise that community nursing is a specialist field of nursing practice in its own right, and nurses require a specific body of knowledge to work effectively in a community setting - no matter what their clinical focus or location.

Contributors outline the foundations of community practice, including principles of disease prevention and wellness promotion, as well as a social model of health. Together with the skills required for work with different population groups, the contribution of research is explored. Professional skills including program management, advocacy, teamwork, home visiting and self management are also covered.

With contributions from leading nurse educators and researchers, Community Nursing Practice is richly illustrated with case studies and examples from a variety of practice settings. It is an essential student text and valuable professional reference.

Winsome St John (PhD, FRCNA) is Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University and a Member of the Gold Coast District Health Council. She has over 30 years of experience as a clinician, educator and researcher.

Helen Keleher (BMA, PhD) is Professor of Health Science at Monash University, Peninsula campus. She has extensive experience in health promotion and health policy and holds an appointment to the Women and Gender Equity Knowledge Network of the World Health Organisation's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health.