Application of the Salmon model: a tale of two cities

This report demonstrates the application of a recently developed conceptual model of public health nursing practice to a specific community problem. The nurse was able to assist one community group and lead another in identifying their needs, developing a plan to meet those needs, implementing the plan, and evaluating the results. The model provided a structure for the nurse to use in determining scope of practice, the importance of values, practice priorities and interventions, and the relevant determinants of health. This project also served to demonstrate faculty practice. Graduate students in community health nursing attended the nonsmokers' group meetings and city council hearings. They participated at various levels, but primarily they observed their instructor putting into practice the role of the public health nurse specialist as described in the classroom. Discussions regarding group dynamics and community action strategies often occurred in the classroom as a direct result of faculty and student involvement. The Salmon model for public health nursing practice has significant potential for application in numerous areas. It can serve as a unifying force in considering the many variables that influence community action. Being specifically designed for public health nursing, it holds great promise for optimizing the practice of the nurse in community settings.