C920 Module 2

Student Name

Western Governors University 

C920 Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education

Prof. Name

Date

C920 Module 2

Course Overview

The course entitled The Role of the BSN Nurse in Promoting Community Health offers a foundational introduction to the principles and practices of Community Health Nursing. Designed as a weekly two-hour session, the course emphasizes the development of essential knowledge and competencies required for baccalaureate-prepared nurses working in community and population-based settings. Core content areas include an examination of the Social Determinants of Health, evidence-based health promotion strategies, and the continuum of prevention—ranging from primary prevention to tertiary care interventions.

In addition to theoretical foundations, the course highlights the importance of effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration as critical components of patient safety and quality care. Particular attention is given to vulnerable and underserved populations, with a focus on how socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, education, and access to healthcare influence health outcomes. Active learning strategies such as concept mapping, role-play exercises, and collaborative group discussions are integrated throughout the course to promote critical thinking and application of knowledge. These instructional approaches align with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials, ensuring academic rigor and relevance to contemporary nursing practice.

Module Title

Communication and Collaboration in Public Health

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to achieve the following objectives:

Student Learning Outcomes

By the conclusion of this module, students will demonstrate measurable competencies aligned with the course objectives:

Content Overview: Communication and Collaboration in Public Health

This module explores the critical role communication and teamwork play in public and community health practice. Professional communication is essential at all levels of healthcare organizations, as it directly influences care coordination, service efficiency, and patient satisfaction. Clear, respectful, and purposeful communication fosters mutual understanding among healthcare providers and ensures continuity of care across various clinical and community settings.

The module also addresses how effective communication strengthens collaboration by promoting trust, accountability, and shared decision-making among healthcare professionals. Students learn to recognize behaviors that distinguish professional communication—such as active listening, clarity, and empathy—from unprofessional practices that may compromise patient safety. Emphasis is placed on the direct relationship between communication, teamwork, and patient-centered outcomes, particularly in reducing preventable medical errors and enhancing overall quality of care.

Scenario-Based Learning Activity

Scenario Description

You are a newly hired nurse working in a local public health department. Your role includes providing education to a 40-year-old patient who has recently been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Despite your efforts to offer clear information, preventive guidance, and emotional support, the patient appears resistant, disengaged, and dissatisfied with the interaction.

Group Role-Play Activity

Students will be assigned to small groups to design and perform role-play scenarios that demonstrate both effective and ineffective communication techniques. Each scenario will involve interactions between a Bachelor’s-prepared community health registered nurse and either a patient or a coworker. Students will rotate roles to gain perspective from both the nurse and patient viewpoints. Following each role-play, a structured debriefing session will be conducted to evaluate communication strategies, identify areas for improvement, and discuss ways to enhance empathy, professionalism, and therapeutic engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is professional communication important in healthcare?

Professional communication is vital in healthcare because it ensures that information is exchanged accurately, respectfully, and efficiently among providers and patients. Clear communication supports correct clinical decision-making, promotes mutual understanding, and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings that could compromise patient safety. It also reinforces trust and professionalism within healthcare teams.

How does professional communication promote collaboration?

Professional communication promotes collaboration by fostering transparency, mutual respect, and shared accountability among healthcare team members. When communication is clear and consistent, team members are better able to align goals, coordinate care plans, and work collectively to meet patient needs. This collaborative environment enhances efficiency and improves patient outcomes.

In what ways does communication promote patient safety?

Effective communication directly supports patient safety by ensuring that critical information—such as diagnoses, treatment plans, and patient concerns—is conveyed accurately and promptly. Breakdowns in communication are a leading cause of medical errors; therefore, strong communication practices help prevent adverse events and improve overall care quality.

How can one recognize professional versus unprofessional communication?

The following table highlights key differences between professional and unprofessional communication behaviors:

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice (pp. 1–62). http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/BaccEssentials08.pdf

O’Daniel, M., & Rosenstein, A. H. (2008). Professional communication and team collaboration. In R. G. Hughes (Ed.), Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses (Chapter 33, pp. 271–281). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2637/