12 Principles of Community Health Nursing

Community Health Nursing (CHN) is a vital part of Public Health and there are 12 principles the govern CHN.

1. The recognized need of individuals, families and communities provides the basis for CHN practice. Its primary purpose is to further apply public health measures within the framework of the total CHN effort.

2. Knowledge and understanding of the objectives and policies of the agency facilities goal achievement. The mission statement commits Community Health Nurses to positively actualize their service to this end.

3. CHN considers the family as the unit of service. Its level of functioning is influenced by the degree to which it can deal with its own problems. Therefore the family is an effective and available channel for the most of the CHN efforts.

4. Respect for the values, customs and beliefs of the clients contribute to the effectiveness of care to the client. CHN services must be available sustainable and affordable to all regardless of race, creed, color or socio-economic status.

5. CHN integrated health education and counseling as vital parts of functions. These encourage and support community efforts in the discussion of issues to improve the people’s health.

6. Collaborative work relationships with the co-workers and members of the health team facilities accomplishments of goals. Each member is helped to see how his/her work benefits the whole enterprise.

7. Periodic and continuing evaluation provides the means for assessing the degree to which CHN goals and objectives are being attained. Clients are involved in the appraisal of their health program through consultations, observations and accurate recording.

8. Continuing staff education program quality services to client and are essential to upgrade and maintain sound nursing practices in their setting. Professional interest and needs of Community Health Nurses are considered in planning staff development programs of the agency.

9. Utilization of indigenous and existing community resources maximizing the success of the efforts of the Community Health Nurses. The use of local available ailments. Linkages with existing community resources, both public and private, increase the awareness of what care they need what are entitled.

10. Active participation of the individual, family and community in planning and making decisions for their health care needs, determine, to a large extent, the success of the CHN programs. Organized community groups are encouraged to participate in the activities that will meet community needs and interests.

11. Supervision of nursing services by qualified by CHN personnel provides guidance and direction to the work to be done. Potentials of employees for effective and efficient work are developed.

12. Accurate recording and reporting serve as the basis for evaluation of the progress of planned programs and activities and as a guide for the future actions. Maintenance of accurate records is a vital responsibility of community as these are utilized in studies and researches and as legal documents.