The Role Of Community Health Nurse

Community health nurses are needed. These nurses can be the voice and the advocate especially for children. Community health nurses are not only strong clinicians they also have experience in home care, care management and school in addition, they also have to be strong critical thinkers, able to be an advocate and have analytical abilities. Violence and abuse in children exist more than what society realizes. These children need advocates; community health nursing is needed in order to help these poor children. There are other organizations that are included in assisting these children that face violence and abuse. The agencies are: department of children and families, the school board, the physicians, hospital and the police. All of these

It is suggested that school personnel and school systems be added to physicians and hospitals in these statements.
1. Physician should be required to report suspected cases of child abuse immediately to the agency legally charges with the responsibility of investigating child abuse-preferably the county or state department of welfare or health or their local representatives, or to the nearest law enforcement agency.
2. The agency should have ample personnel and resources to take action immediately upon receipt of the

In the past there was the fear of reporting, it is not my responsibility or problem, however, it is everyone’s problem and responsibility. Who will be that poor child’s advocate? Who will be their voice? Who will protect them and get them out of the environment that can kill them? We are, as healthcare providers we are responsible. According to Hampton and Newberger (1985) “hospitals and medical personnel have played important roles in the diagnosis, reporting and treatment of child abuse and neglect” (p. 56). Physicians and nurses report more cases of physical abuse than any other agencies. As a healthcare provider it is imperative to listen to the child and look for the signs of abuse when examining the child. There are many types of abuse that we need to make sure are reported besides violence. Examples of types of abuse are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, educational neglect, and maltreatment. We need to make sure all areas are evaluated. A child may not have the physical abuse but can fall into one of the other categories, which as a nurse we need to be able identify and assist. Going out to the community to after school programs such as after care, sporting meetings, camps and provide education can help minimize the abuse and assist in early