Lecture, 2 hours; Practicum, 12 hours

This course has two areas of focus within the community setting: the study of principles and practices involved in community health nursing and the development of skills for teaching a group of patients. The emphasis is on the role of the nurse in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care of clients in a variety of community-based settings, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Collaboration with community-based organizations and services that provide health promotion, disease prevention, maintenance of chronic illness, and client education services to individuals, families, and aggregates are essential components of this course. A review of legal mandates and regulations, as well as discussion of ethical dilemmas and issues related to community-based care, is included.