Week 2 Typical Focus
Week 2 builds directly on Week 1 (self-introduction and initial PHN understanding) by exploring the historical foundations and evolution of public health and public health nursing. It emphasizes key figures, milestones, the shift from individual/family care to population-centered practice, and connections to modern concepts like health equity, social determinants of health (SDOH), and the advanced PHN role.
Common Learning Objectives for Week 2:
Examine the historical development of public health nursing.
Analyze contributions of influential figures (e.g., Florence Nightingale, Lillian Wald).
Describe the core functions of public health and the 10 Essential Public Health Services.
Discuss how historical roots inform contemporary PHN practice, including population health, equity, and systems-level interventions.
Typical Week 2 Discussion Instructions (Reconstructed Standard Prompt)
Discussion Title: The Evolution of Public Health Nursing / Historical Foundations of Public Health Nursing
To Prepare (standard Walden phrasing):
Review the Week 2 Learning Resources.
Read the assigned chapters from Stanhope and Lancaster (usually Chapter 1: Public Health Nursing: Present, Past, and Future and/or Chapter 2 on history of public and community health nursing).
Review the CDC’s 10 Essential Public Health Services (revised 2020) and the Quad Council Coalition Community/Public Health Nursing Competencies (2018).
Reflect on how historical events and figures have shaped the current role of the advanced public health nurse.
Discussion Prompt (most common version seen in similar Walden PHN courses):
“Discussion: The Evolution of Public Health Nursing
Post a comprehensive description of the historical development of public health nursing in the United States. Include key milestones, influential figures such as Florence Nightingale and Lillian Wald, and major shifts in the focus of practice.
Address the following points in your initial post:
How have the core functions of public health (assessment, policy development, and assurance) and the 10 Essential Public Health Services evolved from the historical roots of public health nursing?
In what ways has public health nursing shifted from an individual and family-focused practice (e.g., home visiting) to a population-centered approach that addresses health equity and social determinants of health?
Provide one example from current public health challenges or your professional experience that demonstrates the ongoing relevance of this historical foundation.
How does understanding this history inform your development as an advanced practice public health nurse and your ability to promote a culture of health?”
Posting Requirements (standard for Walden graduate discussions):
Initial post due by Day 3 (typically Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time).
Respond substantively to at least two colleagues by Day 6 (typically Saturday at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time).
Support your initial post and responses with evidence from the required readings plus at least 2–3 additional scholarly sources (peer-reviewed journal articles preferred; aim for sources within the last 5 years where possible).
Use APA 7th edition formatting for all in-text citations and the reference list.
Posts should demonstrate critical analysis, integration of course concepts, and explicit connections to advanced public health nursing practice and Walden University’s mission of positive social change.
Typical Grading Rubric Criteria (approximate weighting):
Quality and depth of initial response, including accurate historical content and application to PHN role (40–50%)
Critical thinking and linkages to health equity, SDOH, core functions, and 10 Essential Services (20–30%)
Integration of scholarly evidence and proper APA formatting (15–20%)
Substantive engagement with colleagues (thoughtful responses that extend the discussion) (10–15%)
Timeliness and adherence to instructions
How to Excel in This Discussion
Structure your post logically: Start with a brief historical overview (1800s–present), highlight key figures and milestones, analyze the evolution (individual → population focus), connect to modern frameworks, give a relevant example, and end with personal/professional implications.
Key content to emphasize:
Florence Nightingale: Environmental theory, data/statistics, sanitation during Crimean War.
Lillian Wald: Founded Henry Street Settlement (1893), coined “public health nursing,” focused on social reform, immigrants, and holistic care.
Major shifts: From charitable visiting nurse model → government involvement (e.g., Sheppard-Towner Act) → post-WWII expansion → modern emphasis on equity, policy, and systems (Public Health 3.0).
Core Functions (IOM): Assessment, Policy Development, Assurance.
10 Essential Public Health Services (CDC 2020): Monitor health, investigate, inform/educate, mobilize partnerships, develop policies, enforce laws, link to care, assure workforce, evaluate, innovate.
In peer responses: Compare/contrast views, ask probing questions (e.g., “How might Lillian Wald’s approach apply to today’s health disparities in [specific population]?”), and tie back to Quad Council competencies or the Intervention Wheel.
Important: Log into your Canvas classroom for NURS 6710 → Week 2 module. The exact wording, specific required readings/links, point values, and full rubric are posted there. Due dates are term-specific.
