People who work as Community Nurses are nurses who have gained a nursing qualification with work experience and have registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). These nurses work in various environments that range from health centres, to GP surgeries, schools and homes.
A number of Community Health Nurses choose to work outside of hospital settings doing preventative healthcare, teaching patients about healthcare and managing case loads. Some work in clinics, others in government agencies and public health departments. Some even opt to work as nursing recruiters through working for nursing agencies that recruit nurses for work in the community and public health sector.
Community Nurses care for the wellbeing of older people, children and vulnerable adults with disabilities. Part of their role may be to assess the needs of people, such as for aids in the home, and to provide advice on caregiving. Nurses may administer medications, give injections and change wound dressings. Nurses working with vulnerable adults are responsible for the protection of vulnerable adults (POVA) from abuse.
Referral to Community Care Services
Usually your local GP or hospital refers people in need for community nursing services. Care and support plans are then put in place for ‘continuing care’ as needed.
Becoming a Community Nurse
Student nurses often consider specialising by becoming a Community Nurse during their Common Foundation Programme (CFP). Or people interested in nursing may start by working as a Healthcare Assistant with a Community Nurse before starting a course of study.
Having completed the CFP in the UK, allows nursing students to continue with either diploma or degree study in nursing at a college or university. Some student nurses go on to specialise even in Community Health, such as becoming a Community Psychology Nurse.