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NURSING IN THE COMMUNITY IN CANADA

Shuling Zhang

Canada

 

Over the last 20 years, Canada as in other parts of the western world has witnessed major changes in the delivery of health care. Many conditions that would have previously justified hospital admission may now be managed partly or entirely on an outpatient basis or in the community.  Therefore community health nurses play a vital role in this shift of health care. Community health nurses are comprised of public health nurse and home health nurses. They work in collaboration with other community service providers from a multitude of agencies, integrating and coordinating services for clients to maximize continuity of care. This paper will review issues pertaining to community nursing in Canada.