How do you solve population-level health problems, develop nursing inventions, and apply them to clinical practice?

This problem-solving, case-based approach shows you how to apply public health knowledge across all settings and populations. You’ll encounter different case studies in every chapter as you explore concepts such as community assessments, public health policy, and surveillance. Step by step, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills you need to apply public health principles across a variety of health care settings, special populations, and scenarios, and to evaluate their effectiveness.


New! Healthy People 2030 boxes that present its goals and objectives and discuss how to apply them to everyday work settings
New & Expanded! Content on communicable diseases and pandemics and how they affect the structure of public health, plus updated coverage of the social determinants of health and vulnerable populations
New! “Why It Matters” boxes exploring the clinical nurse’s role in public and community health and illustrating the application of theory to practice



Three case studies in each chapter, “Solving the Mystery,” “Applying Public Health Science,” and one at the end of the chapter to provide examples of the step-by-step processes that enable you to apply public health principles in the real world
Four simulation scenarios (facilitator and participant versions) that cover hot topics tied to problem-based learning as well as a new simulation scenario covering social determinants of health
Coverage of public health nursing competencies and roles that highlights national standards in public health
“Evidence-Based Practice” boxes illustrating how research and its resulting evidence support and inform public health nursing practice
Callout boxes in each chapter highlighting relevant Healthy People 2030 information, evidence-based practice, and rate calculations
Problem-based learning approach featuring exercises such as critical-thinking and end-of-chapter questions to enhance your skills and enable you to apply what you’re learning