Cornerstone Documents and Milestones: The Changing Landscape of Public Health Nursing 1950 - 2015

Abstract

Part Three of this series on public health nursing (PHN) history chronicles evolving definitions from 1950 to 2015 and reflects the changing landscape of practice. In the mid-20th century, PHN shifted toward “community health” by emphasizing connection with individuals and families in the community; collaboration with agencies and professionals; and focus on health teaching. Since 1950 there were many shifts, and we begin by discussing nursing practice in the community from 1950 to 1975. We follow this by considering practice and synthesis of nursing in public health from 1975 to 2000, and then concepts such as health promotion, disease prevention, population health and PHN workforce from 2000 to 2015. Growing interest in public health, in the throes of uncertain healthcare reforms, provides an imperative for reclaiming public health roles to promote and protect the health of populations; to join with public and private partners; to utilize public health competencies and science; and to co-create a base of influence and power for social change and progress.