NUR-416 Population Health

This course investigates the theory and practice of population health.  Students identify the myriad of health beliefs, values, and practices of families and communities, and recognize the importance of culturally specific care.  Basic epidemiological concepts and methods are examined, with emphasis on the health status and health needs of a population, levels of prevention, and health promotion strategies.  General methods introduced include epidemiological measures, sources of data, descriptive components, strategies for screening, and surveillance in the community.  The science of public health nursing and its contributions to health at the local, state, national, and global levels are analyzed.  Current global health initiatives are examined.  Emphasis is placed on the community-as-client to critically evaluate a population-within a geographic community, along with application to nursing practice.