Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

5-4-2006

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Public Health Nursing

Source ISSN

0737-1209

Abstract

An evidence‐based approach to Public/Community Health Nursing (P/CHN) requires that P/CHN educators prepare practitioners with the relevant skills, attitudes, and knowledge. Such education should be competency‐based and have measurable outcomes to demonstrate student preparation. In 2003, the Quad Council competencies were developed to be applied at two levels of public health nursing practice: the staff nurse/generalist role and the manager/specialist/consultant role. This paper describes a process for evaluation and revision of a graduate curriculum to prepare Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) in P/CHN, to ensure that the educational program addresses and develops knowledge and proficiency in all relevant competencies. This paper documents the process of integrating the competencies throughout the P/CHN graduate curriculum at varying levels, guiding students to achieve proficiency in each competency by the end of the program. Measurement of achievement in these competencies will be discussed, and examples provided. Advanced Practice Public Health Nurses educated via this competency‐based approach will be prepared to sit for national certification as a CNS in Public/Community Health, and to assume leadership roles in public health nursing.

Comments

Accepted version. Public Health Nursing, Vol. 23, No. 2 (May 4, 2006): 190-195. DOI. © 2006 Wiley. Used with permission.

Susan Breakwell was affiliated with Rush University Medical Center at the time of publication.

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