The degree program in public health nurse leads to a university of applied sciences (UAS) degree in social and health care, the degree title is Bachelor of Health Care. The scope of studies in nursing education is 240 ECTS credits (cr) and the duration is 4 years. The education includes a degree in nursing, (a registered nurse). The professional studies leading to the degree of public health nurse are at least 60 ECTS credits. The education of a public health nurse must meet the requirements set for UAS degrees in social and health care, a public health nurse and a registered nurse. The competence produced by the degree corresponds to the level of higher education commonly defined in the European Union, which enables the movement of labor and experts. In professional studies in nursing, development project (5 ECTS cr) is carried out in order to increase the professional competence of nursing and to develop the work and profession of nurses.

The public health nurse / registered nurse acts independently as a health care expert in multifunctional working groups and networks and develops and promotes research and other evidence-based nursing / health care. Experts in health care / nursing work to promote health in both national and international working life. They can work in public and private social and health care organizations (hospitals, nursing homes, doctor's offices, health centers, educational institutions, and work communities.). The public health nurse / nurse participates in the development of health and well-being services and in social decision-making in accordance with sustainable development. The public health nurse / nurse implements and develops nursing work for an individual, a family and a community that promotes and maintains health, prevents disease, cures, and promotes rehabilitation. The professional competence of a nurse / nurse includes e.g. anticipating and supporting resources for factors affecting the health, well-being and resources of individuals, families and communities.

A public health nurse is able to prevent and maintain the health of individuals, families, work and other communities, the population and the environment, and is able to prevent disease. (S)he is able to strengthen clients' resources, self-care and ability to live a healthy life. The public health nurse works in maternity and child health clinics, family planning clinics, schools and student health care, occupational health care, elderly services and health centers, as well as in various communities, organizations, educational and project assignments and as a self-employed person. The job requires the ability and courage to intervene early in the client’s situation at different stages of life. The nurse’s expertise emphasizes critical thinking, independent decision-making, and responsibility. The specificity of the public health nurse's expertise is a broad view in promoting the health and well-being of people of different ages. The public health nurse's work emphasizes community and population orientation The nurse's work includes exploratory work, activities in multidisciplinary networks and low-threshold services, and early intervention. The aim of the work is to reduce health inequalities at different stages of life.

The public health nurse's / nurse's activities are guided by the values â€‹â€‹and ethical principles of nursing. The starting point for his professional activities is the legislation in force at the time and Finland's health policy guidelines. The operating environment for nursing and the competence of staff are regulated by national and European legislation, which aims to ensure equal opportunities for health and well-being for all.

Legalization as a health care professional

The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (VALVIRA) legalises health care as a legal professional at the request of a public health nurse / nurse. Legalization is conditional on the (public health) nurse education meeting the minimum education requirements. The professional qualifications of nurses and the education of registered nurses are regulated by Directive 2013/55 / â€‹â€‹EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and the European Qualifications Framework (2006). The task of the university of applied sciences is to verify that the graduating health care professional has the competence required by the professional skills requirements.

After completing 240 ECTS credits public health care graduates will receive a degree certificate of both a public health nurse and a registered nurse. The student is awarded the degrees of a nurse and a public health nurse at the same time.

We reserve the right to make changes to the curriculum due to the need to update the content being studied.