Course Objectives

The goals of major course unit 3 are that the student:

• has knowledge of, and is able to critically evaluate, the ideological, theoretical and practical foundation of health-promoting and preventative work.
• has knowledge and understanding of the main strategies and current research in the field of health-promoting and preventative work.
• is aware of the importance of scientific understanding in practice.
• is able to interpret and apply research results.
• has understanding of the importance of supervision skills.
• is able to critically reflect upon the relationship between culture, social developments, family structures, economy and technology in relationship to a child’s growing up conditions and health.
• has knowledge of the legal system and the policy/administrative measures for health-promoting and preventative work in the municipal health service.
• has understanding of how to influence decision-making processes in public administration.
• has knowledge of the various historical and cultural interpretations of the concept, health.
• is able to identify the possibilities and conditions for cooperation in various arenas.
• has knowledge of other professional groups’ responsibilities and tasks especially within the field of health-promoting and preventative work.
• acquires knowledge and skills which are necessary in order to participate in environmental health care and the prevention of the spread of diseases.

Course Description

Course unit 1.1: Health Promoting and Preventative Work

• Ideological, theoretical, practical foundation and ethical dilemmas
• The public health nurse’s mandate and role
• Health challenges in modern society
• Global to individual level – requires various action strategies

Course unit 1.2: Cultural Analytical Understanding

• Science, research and practice
  – Various scientific approaches
  o Epidemiology
• Socio-economic conditions
• Public health work
• Family, life cycle, quality of life
• Networks – theory of networks
  - Family structures and cohabitation in modern society
  - Subcultures

Course unit 1.3: Framework conditions

• Development of welfare
  o Laws and regulations
• Urbanisation and decentralisation
• Cooperative arenas - professional, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary

Assessment Methods

986HEMN1 ST1
The role and functions of the public health nurse

Individual written reflection paper related to the role of the public health nurse and professional practice. Reflection upon one’s own professional development.

Maximum 700 words based on diary notes which will be regularly recorded throughout the first semester.

986HEMN1 ST2
Critical assessment of a scientific article

Critical assessment of a scientific article on topics from society and health.

Group assignment, 700 words.

986HEMN1 ST3 Examination - The Individual, Society and Health

Individual written examination related to the public health nurse’s field of work and professional practice in relation to theory and practice in major course unit 1; 4000 words in length.

The assignments must receive passing marks in order for the student to be permitted to take the examination in major course unit 2.

Practice 1 week must be completed before major course unit 2.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean