What is the primary goal of public health nursing practice?

The primary goal of public health nursing practice is to promote, preserve, and maintain the health of populations. This encompasses a holistic approach that considers the health needs of communities rather than solely individual patients. Public health nurses focus on strategies that improve the overall health environment, address social determinants of health, and implement preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of disease within populations.

This goal is reflected in various public health initiatives that emphasize community health assessments, health education, and advocacy for health policies that benefit larger groups of people. By addressing health at the population level, public health nursing aims to improve health outcomes for entire communities, which ultimately supports the overall well-being and longevity of populations.

In contrast, focusing on individual patient health through interventions leans more toward clinical nursing practices, while specialized treatment for chronic illnesses emphasizes individual management rather than a population focus. Concentrating exclusively on disease diagnosis and treatment overlooks the broader public health perspective aimed at preventing illness and promoting well-being in communities.