Ebrada, Glyza R.

BSN2-D
COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING NCM 104

1. Educator Role - It is widely recognized that health teaching is a part of good nursing
practice and one of the major functions of a community health nurse (Brown, 1988).
The educator's role is beneficial in promoting the public’s health for at least two
reasons. The educator role: Has the potential for finding greater receptivity and
providing higher yield results. Is significant because a wider audience can be reached.
The emphasis throughout the health teaching process continues to be placed on illness
prevention and health promotion.

Example Scenario: Being an educator is one of a nurse's most important responsibilities. A

good example of this is when nurses and other healthcare providers organize health education
programs in the community that address various health conditions. Another instance in a
hospital setting is when nurses instruct their patients, including the patient's family, about
continuous treatment, preventing illnesses, and managing their illnesses.

2. Advocate Role - The issue of clients’ rights is important in health care today. Every
patient or client has the right to receive equal and humane treatment. However, our
present healthcare system is often characterized by fragmented and depersonalized
services. This approach particularly affected the poor and the disadvantaged. The
community health nurse often must act as an advocate for clients pleading the cause
or acting on behalf of the client group. There are times when healthcare clients need
someone to explain what services to expect and which services they ought to receive.

Example Scenario: A prime example of the role is when nurses stand for their patients,
particularly the most vulnerable members of society, by speaking up for them, looking out for
their health, and making sure that their rights and safety are upheld.

3. Leader Role - Community health nurses are becoming increasingly active in the leader
role. As a leader, the nurse directs influences, or persuades others to effect change
that will positively affect people’s health. The leadership role’s primary function is to
effect change; thus, the community health nurse becomes an agent of change. They
also seek to influence people to think and behave differently about their health and the
factors contributing to it.

Example Scenario: The best illustration of a leader is a nurse who travels to different
communities, such as during medical missions or other programs, and changes the people
thereby educating them, serving as an example for them to follow, convincing and encouraging
them to take better care of their health.