Role of the BSN nurse in public and global health

In this week’s media presentation, Dr. Louise Fitzpatrick shared how health and disease are global issues. She pointed out that with the mobility of today’s population, those health issues experienced in one area of the world are easily brought to other areas of the world. Consider the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, avian flu, H1N1, or SARS. These diseases have quickly crossed oceans and spread to a variety of countries. They are a public health concern in the U.S. as well as other countries. To prepare for this Discussion, reflect on the readings and on Dr. Mancuso’s comments in this week’s media presentation; specifically on the role of the BSN nurse in public and global health. With these thoughts in mind, respond to the following: Why should BSN nurses be concerned with global health issues? How do global health issues influence nursing practice at your local level or in your work setting? Include specific examples. Support your response with references from the professional nursing literature. Post your response by Day 3 of this week. Respond by Day 7 to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways: • Ask a probing question. • Expand on the colleague’s posting. • Offer polite disagreement or critique, supported with evidence. In addition to, but not in place of, the above you may: • Offer and support an opinion. • Validate an idea with your own experience. • Make a suggestion or comment which guides or facilitates the Discussion. Review and reflect on your colleagues’ replies to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments made by your colleagues. (No posting is required for this reflection.)