The thoroughly updated Fourth Edition of this AJN award-winning text examines the contemporary public health nurse's role as a hands-on caregiver, community detective, and epidemiologist. Emphasizing primary care, community assessment, and program planning, the book provides a practical how-to model for working with a community and includes case studies from communities throughout the world. This edition highlights a broader perspective on community ethics and development, an increased focus on epidemiology, and critical thinking questions.