Strand leader: Ms J Oates
The primary health care approach to community health services incorporates both a philosophy and a strategy for attaining health for populations by adopting the following principles: building self-reliance, at a personal and community level; supporting community participation in health care programs and health development; intersectoral collaboration; integration of health services; equity in health status; and utilising appropriate technology.
Aims
The course aims to facilitate acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for competent primary health care practice by graduate nurses.
Objectives
On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
* analyse the domain of primary health care nursing practice in relation to its philosophical base, role and functions in health care;
* demonstrate a working knowledge of health policy and policy decision making at a state and national level;
* demonstrate a knowledge of public health concepts;
* analyse health promotion models and models of behavioural change for health;
* examine legal and ethical issues in primary health care;
* demonstrate well-developed interpersonal skills for counselling individuals and families;
* work in interdisciplinary teams and coordinate community care for individuals, families and groups;
* liaise and advocate with other social and health institutions on behalf of individuals, families, groups and communities;
* interpret and critically appraise quantitative and qualitative research;
* demonstrate a working knowledge of health program planning, delivery and evaluation.
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant would normally:
* be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate;
* have completed a minimum of two years professional work experience;
* satisfactorily completed a course leading to a degree or diploma.
The school recognises that many professional nurses have not had the opportunity to gain formal qualifications at the degree or diploma level. For this reason special entry to the course may be available for registered nurses who do not hold degrees or diplomas.
Course structure
To be advised.
Elective subject
One elective will be conducted in the second semester, for two hours per week. The area of the study is to be chosen from the following list or another approved subject:
* Community participation in health project;
* Explorations in human caring;
* Community mental health studies;
* Family health studies.