By: Marcia Custer R.N., Ph.D.

ABSTRACT and TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOR PREPARING ADVANCED PRACTICE COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSES

COMGRAD-10 is a computer assisted instruction (CAI) program with accompanying Learner Handbook that builds on previously acquired community health and public health knowledge. Its targeted audiences are graduate community health nursing students and nursing staff in organizations with population focused missions. Baccalaureate preparation or its equivalent is an expected prerequisite.

COMGRAD-10 is designed to be used in concert with class or staff seminars where concepts are more fully developed through mutual sharing. The CAI intersperses information and examples with reflective questions designed to both reinforce information and stimulate critical thinking. CAI content is further reinforced with Learner Handbook activities that require participants to apply concepts first introduced in the CAI to practicum and/or employment situations.

COMGRAD-10 content focuses on advanced practice nursing roles in interdisciplinary and community partnerships to improve the health status of populations. Lesson 1 provides an introduction to COMGRAD-10 content as well as to the expectations of graduate study. Lessons 2 and 3 explore historical and fundamental concepts and principles of public health practice. Lesson 4 emphasizes the unique contribution of the nursing process, to the interdisciplinary public health process. Lesson 5 reviews the Healthy People Movement, Lessons 6 and 7 analyze conceptual models and theories frequently used to guide public health practice. Lessons 8 through 10 cover the community assessment, program planning and program evaluation processes. Finally Lesson 11 examines the historical, current and future roles of advanced practice community health nurses in disciplinary research and theory development.

In addition to specific identified content, consistent strands running throughout COMGRAD-10 Lessons include: developing critical and creative thinking , advanced practice and leadership competencies, theory based practice, research participation, and application, ethics, partnerships, empowerment, historical foundations, changing paradigms, outcome orientations, cost effectiveness, developing public policy advocacy skills, and the imperative of ongoing professional development.

Table of Contents

This system has been designed keeping in mind the specific needs of distance and continuing education learners.

If you have any questions or thoughts about the COMGRAD-10 Program content please contact me as follows:

Marcia Custer RN, PhD
School of Nursing, Box 1066
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois 62026-1066
FAX: (618) 6923939

Email: mcuster@siue.edu

The assistance and critical review of COMGRAD-10 by the following individuals is gratefully acknowledged.