NSG 541 Main Assignment 2 Week 2 Community Health Theory Nursing Theory
NSG 541 Main Assignment 2 Week 2 Community Health Theory Nursing Theory
Community Health and Nursing Theory
Community health refers to the efforts made to meet the health needs of individuals within a societal setting, while a community is a group of individuals who share similar cultures. Nurses play a vital role in community health by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing infections, treating illnesses, and conducting research on disease epidemiology. Their responsibilities range from providing care and education to creating awareness, managing epidemics, collaborating with public health sectors, and engaging in leadership and research activities. Community health nursing is practiced in various social settings, including homes, schools, healthcare centers, and public spaces (Buckner, 2018).
Nightingale’s theory of environment emphasizes the significance of the patient’s surroundings in their recovery process. According to this theory, a healthy environment comprises clean air and water, proper drainage systems, cleanliness, and adequate sunlight. Nurses apply this model by ensuring proper ventilation, promoting healthy diets, maintaining hygiene, and implementing measures to preserve the environment. However, challenges such as air and noise pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, unhealthy eating habits, and environmental degradation undermine the practices aligned with Nightingale’s theory. Nurses utilize the promotion of a healthy environment as a primary strategy to control infectious diseases transmitted through air or water pollution (Smith & Parker, 2015).
NSG 541 Main Assignment 2 Week 2 Community Health Theory Nursing Theory
In addition to nursing theories, non-nursing theories like the psychological needs theory have relevance in nursing practice. This theory focuses on the essential requirements for human survival. Nurses apply this theory by ensuring a consistent oxygen supply for patients, promoting proper nutrition even when appetite is diminished, and addressing other psychological needs. However, factors such as poor housing, food insecurity, water scarcity, high levels of poverty, and air pollution can undermine the implementation of this theory. By addressing the psychological needs of patients, nurses can help prevent health issues such as obesity and trauma resulting from a lack of basic means for survival (Buckner, 2018).
Overall, community health nursing incorporates nursing theories and non-nursing theories to guide practice and improve the well-being of individuals within a community. By understanding and applying these theories, nurses can play a significant role in promoting health, preventing diseases, and providing quality care to individuals in various societal settings.
References
Buckner, E. B. (2018). Aquichan, 18(2).
Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2015). Nursing theories and nursing practice. FA Davis.
