Community health nursing in the 1990s--risky business?

The atmosphere in which community health nurses (CHNs) work in city, suburban, and rural neighborhoods has become increasingly dangerous. Using Neuman's Systems Theory, four graduate students surveyed CHNs from three certified home health agencies to ascertain the real and perceived safety risks which these workers face daily. The response from all three agencies was similar as the nurses identified several situations in which they felt that their safety was compromised. As a result of the information gathered, a Community Risk-Reduction Plan was formulated.