Background of the Study
Community health nursing (CHN) is crucial in promoting health and well-being
within communities (Saforo, 2023). Effective CHN strategies require a deep
understanding of community needs, perspectives, and priorities. This study
evaluates how community members perceive and experience CHN strategies,
aiming to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Student nurses play a vital role in these strategies through their engagement
in community assessments, delivery of health education, and participation in
outreach programs. Their involvement not only enhances service delivery but
also provides them with practical experience that is essential for their
professional development. Through direct interactions with residents, student
nurses help identify community health needs and implement preventative
measures.
The concept of caring in community nursing practice is explored by Yue et al.
(2020), who describe it as an “interplay between patients and nurses.” This
highlights the significance of nurturing caring relationships to improve the
quality of care in community settings. Legal and policy frameworks are also
critical in shaping CHN practices. Cunha, Henriques, and Costa (2020)
emphasize that well-defined roles and responsibilities for community health
nurses are essential for effective public health policy implementation.
Additionally, Dunn et al. (2021) suggest that while high-intensity services
may incur initial costs, they can lead to significant long-term savings,
underscoring the importance of investing in community health strategies to
minimize hospital admissions and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable
populations. A Community Health Needs Assessmen” (CHNA) is a systematic
process that engages the community to identify and analyze its health needs.
Regular assessments allow stakeholders to prioritize health issues effectively
and plan interventions accordingly. The insights gained from CHNAs are vital
for tailoring CHN programs to meet identified needs while fostering trust
between professionals and communities.
The body of literature surrounding CHN underscores its critical role in
addressing health needs through various strategies and educational
methodologies. Stagg and McCarthy (2020) highlight that service learning
methodologies—such as the “Community as a Client” assignment—integrate
classroom knowledge with real-world engagement, fostering a deeper
understanding of community health issues among nursing students.
Complementing this perspective, Salvador and Wagner (2022) point out how
economic, social, and political factors significantly impact access to care and
overall health outcomes. Yue et al. (2020) further explore caring within
community nursing as an inter-dynamic system reliant on quality
relationships between patients and nurses. Cunha et al. (2020) reinforce this
by finding that well-defined roles are essential for effectively implementing
public health policies. Dunn et al. (2021) support this by demonstrating that
community nurse-led interventions for older adults are cost-effective,
suggesting a need for enhanced investment in this area. In terms of effective
CHN strategies, Hofmeyer and Taylor (2021) stress the importance of
empathetic leadership during challenging times such as the pandemic.
Student nurses are integral to these strategies; their participation enhances
service delivery while providing them with practical experience. Akbar et al.
(2020) highlight unique challenges faced by community health nurses in
Indonesia amid prevalent health vulnerabilities. Effective teaching strategies
such as simulation are recognized as beneficial for nursing education
enabling students to gain confidence (Mansaguiton, 2016). Interprofessional
collaboration is crucial; Avallone et al. (2021) describe initiatives where
nursing students partnered with social workers to address geriatric care
needs using structured assessment frameworks. Widyarani et al. (2021)
emphasize standardized competencies for public health nurses in Indonesia
to ensure relevance in health promotion efforts.
The literature collectively underscores CHN’s importance in addressing health
disparities while enhancing educational practices and informing policy
frameworks. An integrated approach incorporating experiential learning,
interprofessional collaboration, and a strong understanding of community
needs is essential for effectively promoting health and well-being.
This research will evaluate how community members perceive the
effectiveness of various CHN strategies—such as health education, disease
prevention, screening, case management, mobilization, and advocacy—while
also exploring accessibility, affordability, and cultural appropriateness. The
insights gained will be instrumental in informing the development of more
effective and culturally sensitive CHN programs tailored to the specific needs
of the community.
