What is the primary goal of Community Health Nursing (CHN)?

The primary goal of Community Health Nursing (CHN) is to improve the health of communities through health promotion. This focus encompasses a broad range of activities aimed at enhancing community well-being and preventing disease before it occurs. CHN practitioners work to identify health needs and issues within populations, educate communities about health practices, and develop interventions that promote healthier lifestyles. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health, empowering community members, and fostering environments that support health.

In contrast, while providing direct care to individual patients is important, this is typically more aligned with individual-focused nursing rather than the broader community perspective that CHN embodies. Focusing solely on disease treatment neglects the essential preventive aspect that is crucial in community health. Conducting research on health trends serves a vital role in informing practices and policies, but the primary objective of CHN is about direct engagement with communities to foster overall health improvement rather than merely investigating trends. Thus, enhancing health through promotion stands as the central aim of Community Health Nursing.