Division of Public Health Nursing

Welcome to the Maine CDC Public Health Nursing (PHN) Program

Maine CDC Public Health Nurses are registered professional nurses, working to improve, preserve, and protect the health and quality of life for all Maine citizens. Using nursing theory, research, evidence based practice and the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation), Public Health Nurses continually work to improve the health of individuals, populations, cultures and communities.

Program Vision and Mission

Public Health Nurses are leaders in assuring excellence in health. The Public Health Nursing mission is to strengthen the equality of access to local public health services for Maine people. The vision is for Maine people to live well and be healthy and safe. The PHN Program accomplishes this through providing the three Core Functions of Public Health and the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

Core Functions:

• Assessment
• Assurance
• Policy Development

Essential Public Health Services:

• Monitor health status
• Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards
• Inform, educate, and empower people
• Mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems
• Develop policies and plans
• Enforce laws and regulations
• Link people with health services and ensure the provision of health-care otherwise unavailable
• Ensure a competent public health workforce
• Evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility and quality of health services
• Conduct research

(From the Maine Public Health Nursing Strategic Plan, 2012-2013)