| Focus | Emphasizes population-level health and well-being, with a focus on preventing diseases, promoting health, and improving overall community health. | Focuses on providing nursing care, education, and support to individuals and families within a specific community or neighborhood. |
| Target Population | Addresses the health needs of entire populations, communities, or regions, often through policy development, health promotion, and disease prevention. | Provides care to individuals and families within a defined geographic area, typically involving direct patient care and health education. |
| Scope of Practice | Involves a broad scope of practice, including epidemiology, policy advocacy, health education, and addressing the social determinants of health. | Primarily encompasses clinical nursing practice, including assessment, treatment, and support for individuals, families, and small groups. |
| Setting | Often works in public health agencies, government departments, research institutions, and non-profit organizations at the population level. | Works in a variety of healthcare settings, including clinics, schools, home health agencies, and community health centers. |
| Health Promotion and Prevention | Focuses on preventing diseases, improving health outcomes, and implementing public health interventions at the community or population level. | Provides health education, screenings, vaccinations, and preventive care to individuals and families within a community. |
| Education and Training | Requires a nursing degree and may involve advanced degrees in public health nursing, epidemiology, or related fields. | Requires a nursing degree, and nurses often pursue certifications or further education in community health nursing. |
| Advocacy and Policy Development | Often engaged in policy advocacy and development, addressing issues such as access to healthcare, environmental health, and health equity. | May engage in advocacy at the community level, promoting policies that support the health and well-being of the local population. |
| Data Analysis and Epidemiology | Analyzes population health data, conducts epidemiological research, and participates in disease surveillance and outbreak investigations. | May use basic epidemiological principles to assess community health needs and trends among the individuals and families served. |
| Collaboration | Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, public health professionals, and government agencies to address health disparities and improve community health. | Collaborates with other healthcare providers, social workers, educators, and community organizations to meet the healthcare needs of individuals and families. |
| Primary Focus | Focuses on the health of populations, public health policy, health promotion, and disease prevention at the community or regional level. | Concentrates on providing direct nursing care and support to individuals, families, and small groups within a specific community. |
