Make Life BetterBe a Public Health Nurse

What Is Public Health Nursing?

Public Health Nursing Is the Practice of Promoting and Protecting the Health of

Populations Using Knowledge From Nursing, Social, and Public

Health Sciences.

American Public Health Association, Public Health Nursing Section, 1996

Most Nurses Impact the Health of Individuals One at a Time

Public Health Nurses Impact the Health of Entire Communities

What Do Public Health Nurses Do?

• Public Health Nurses Work in numerous locations in thecommunity

• Their work is varied, flexible and autonomous

Public Health Nurses…

• Respond to emergencies including infectious diseases and natural/man-made disasters

• Provide preventative health services to reduce the rate of disease

• Teach groups of people about

how they can be healthy

Public Health Nurses…

• Track occurring communicable disease and help people get treatment

• Organize health fairs and preventative health screening

Public Health Nurses…

• Work with schools regarding health and development of students

• Educate the community about environmental issues such as food safety, lead, and clean air and water

Public Health Nurses…

• Collaborate with advisory boards and

coalitions to promote health

• Participate in monitoring health care institutions to assure quality care is provided

Public Health Nurses…

• Link people to community programs and services

• Advocate for people who need assistance

• Participate in developing policies and quality assurance activities

Public Health Nurses…

• Work with business and industry

to help their employees be healthier

• Assist individuals with special needs such as the elderly, disabled and children.

Where Do Public Health Nurses Work?

Public Health Nurses are Employed by:

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services

(MDHSS) and City or County Agencies in the Community.

Where Do I Find Information About Becoming a Public

Health Nurse?

Contact ---

The Department of Health & Senior Services at www.dhss.mo.gov

or call 573-751-6170

Or

The Local Public Health Department in Your Community

THANK YOU!!!!