Environmental Health in The Health Care Setting

by Angeline Bushy, PhD, RN, BC-APRN, FAAN

Expiration Date: December 31, 2010.
No CE contact hours (CH) will be given after this date.


Abstract & Objectives

According to recent reports from the U.S. Bureau of Census, about 54 million people live in areas defined as "rural". Rural residents make up about one-fifth (20%) of the total population but rural residents are spread out across four-fifths (80%) of the U.S. land area. While some rural regions are experiencing a declining population in recent years, there has been a broad economic revival and population growth in many small towns across the 50 states. Provision of health care especially in regions defined as Health Personnel (Professional) Shortage Areas (HPSAs) has been characterized by an insufficient numbers of all types of health care providers and which has become a national priority in the past decade. Recruiting and retaining qualified health professionals into rural areas is an ongoing concern, as well.

Course Objectives

Completing this continuing education (CE) program enables the individual to:

  • Compare the following terms and their definitions: urban, suburban, rural, frontier, farm, non-farm residency, metropolitan, and non-metropolitan.
  • Define the concept of residence as a 'continuum' ranging from farm residency to metropolitan.
  • Describe economic, social, and cultural factors that can impact rural lifestyle.
  • List factors that influence the health of rural residents and their care-seeking behaviors.
  • Discuss barriers that impact accessibility, affordability, availability, and acceptability of health care services.
  • Identify characteristics often associated with residency in a small and rural community.
  • Describe health personnel shortage areas (HPSAs).
  • Examine the role and scope of nursing practice in rural settings.
  • Highlight characteristics of rural nursing practice and how this differs from practice in more populated settings.
  • Explain challenges, opportunities, and benefits of a health professional who lives and works in a rural setting.
  • Discuss potential legal and ethical risks for professionals in rural practice.

 

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