Which theoretical framework is most commonly used in community health nursing?

The Public Health Nursing model is the most commonly used framework in community health nursing because it emphasizes the role of the nurse in promoting the health of populations rather than just individual patients. This model encompasses a broad array of strategies aimed at preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities, and individuals.

By focusing on community-level health needs, this model allows nurses to assess the health concerns of specific populations and address the social determinants of health, such as economic stability, education, social and community context, health care access, and neighborhood environment. It incorporates principles of epidemiology, health promotion, and the use of data to inform practice, making it particularly effective in the diverse and complex environments community health nurses often work in.

In comparison, other frameworks such as the behaviorist model focus more on individual behaviors and learning processes, which may not fully capture the broader community health needs. The clinical nursing model is primarily concerned with individual patient care and clinical interventions, while the holistic health model, while valuable, often centers on the whole person rather than the health of populations as a priority. Thus, the Public Health Nursing model stands out as the primary framework guiding community health nursing practice.