Sankanur Hospital
Career
B.Sc Nursing

Department of Community
Health Nursing

The Department of Community Health Nursing trains students to provide healthcare services at grassroots levels, focusing on preventive healthcare, health education, and primary healthcare services. The program aligns with national health policies and the guidelines of INC and Karnataka Nursing Council (KNC), preparing students for roles in public health and epidemiology.

Aims

Enhance Health Awareness: Raise awareness about health issues and preventive measures

Support Research & Innovation: Engage in research to improve community health practices and policies.

Promote Community Health: Educate and empower communities to manage their health and prevent diseases.

Develop Skilled Health Workers: Train nursing students and healthcare personnel for community health settings.

Objectives

Promote strong connections between faculty, students, and the medical team at Primary Health Centres, while engaging with the community to create lasting impact.

Deliver holistic nursing care to individuals, families, and entire communities, empowering them to lead healthier lives.

Spark awareness and inspire action on personal health issues, encouraging proactive self-care and prevention.

Strengthen and mobilize community resources to create sustainable health solutions.

Strengthen and mobilize community resources to create sustainable health solutions.

Combat both communicable and non-communicable diseases through targeted prevention and control measures.

Provide specialized care tailored to mothers, children, the elderly, adolescents, and people with disabilities, ensuring no one is left behind.

Lead research and training initiatives to advance knowledge and skills in community health.

Equip and prepare future healthcare professionals to thrive in community health nursing, making a difference on the ground.

Supervise, mentor, and support field workers to enhance the effectiveness of their community health efforts.

Drive efforts to reduce mortality and morbidity, improving health outcomes across all age groups, from infants to seniors.

Message from

Head of Department

Community health nurses are powerful agents of change, shaping the future of healthcare with their dedication and passion. They champion well-being across diverse areas like home care, MCH & FP, school health, industrial nursing, mental health, rehabilitation, and geriatric care, playing a crucial role in transforming communities and improving lives.

At our institution, BSc Nursing 5th-semester students are empowered with a blend of cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience. We equip them with the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to address health challenges head-on and emerge as leaders in the field of community health nursing.

I currently serve as the Head of the Department of Community Health Nursing and Principal at Sankanur Institute of Nursing. I have over 23 years of experience in nursing education, which has been both fulfilling and deeply rewarding.

completed my Ph.D. in Community Health Nursing in 2019 from JJT University, Rajasthan. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of shaping the future of nursing by mentoring students and contributing to the development of nursing programs that emphasize both academic excellence and practical skills in healthcare.

Dr. Meenakshi R Devangamath

Head of Department, Community Health Nursing

Community Health Laboratory Facilities:

Simulated Community Settings: Students practice health interventions in different community environments, like home visits and health promotion programs

Procedure Practice Stations: Stations for basic procedures such as wound care, blood pressure measurement, and injections.

Health Assessment Equipment: Tools for vital sign monitoring and health assessments, including stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers.

Demonstration Areas: Instructors demonstrate procedures, including maternal care, health education, and preventive measures.

Data Collection and Analysis: Students learn data collection, statistical analysis, and report preparation using software like SPSS and Excel.

Public Health Program Simulation: Students develop and execute health campaigns, such as vaccination drives and sanitation awareness.

Patient Education & Communication: Role-playing to improve counseling and communication with community members.

Emergency Response: Training in emergency management, triage, and disaster preparedness.

Home Care Equipment: Tools for teaching home health care, such as mobility aids and medication administration.

Clinical Postings 

Students are posted for community health experience with permission from the District H&FW Officer of Gadag and the Medical Officer of PHC Mulagund.

Under faculty supervision, students conducted school health checkups, blood group testing, and health assessments for 200 children.

Students actively participate in IEC activities, nutrition assessments, and national health programs.

The posting helps students develop skills in observation, communication, and problem-solving.

After the posting, students present their reports, which are guided by faculty and submitted to the department.

Events

School Health Checkup: A formal meeting was held with the school headmaster and teachers to discuss the health checkup services for children. Teachers appreciated the services, and Vice Principal Mr. Vincent Patil assured that health services from the Community Health Nursing Department would continue for the school in the future.

Nutrition Mela (27-03-2025): A Nutrition Mela was conducted to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition. Students explained various nutrients' benefits, demonstrated healthy food items (fruits, vegetables, etc.), and prepared a balanced diet, which was well-received by the community.

World Tuberculosis Day (2025): Under the theme “Yes We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, students participated in a combined event with PHC. They informed the community, encouraged participation, and conducted IEC activities using posters and flashcards in the local language, with positive feedback from the participants.

Ongoing Community Health Services: All community health services provided by the Community Health Nursing Department will continue, benefiting the local community through various health initiatives.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Community Health Nursing program have diverse career opportunities in healthcare. They can work as Community Health Nurses or Public Health Nurses, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and policy development. Specialized roles include Maternal and Child Health Nurses, Epidemiology Nurses, and Health Educators, who work on promoting wellness and managing disease outbreaks in communities.

Additionally, graduates can pursue careers as Nurse Researchers, Health Program Coordinators, or School Health Nurses, participating in large-scale public health initiatives or managing health programs. There are also opportunities to become Community Health Nursing Instructors, teaching and preparing the next generation of nurses for impactful work in community-based healthcare settings.