Institute of Community Health Nursing 2.31

The Institute is a professional and educational body representing Community Nursing throughout the State. It is not a trade union, but an organisation of Community Nurses , incorporated in 1985, to promote Community-nursing services through continuing education, development and research. Developed on the model of modern science institutes, there are branches in each of the Health Service Executive(HSE) regions. Groups, formed nationally, (sometimes referred to as Special Interest Groups) cater for members who wish to be more active in the study and development of some special areas of community nursing service e.g. care of the elderly, child health,disability,professional development.

What Does The Institute Do?

- Through its Branches and Interest Groups, it provides a forum for the Community Nurses to share their ideas and experiences in a common goal of health care development.
- Acts as a centre of unity and a practical resource/advice centre for the members.
- Acts as a consultative body available to inform the Department of Health /HSE/ Department of Children & Youth Affairs when requested.
- Offers opportunities for specialists in other disciplines or from educational and research institutes to exchange ideas with those actively involved in delivering the nursing services.
- Investigates and studies critical issues facing community and national health care services through conferences, seminars, workshops at Branch level and through the activities of the Interest Groups.
- Publicises information about future trends and development in the health care services and co-operates with government working groups on particular issues or policy.
- The Institute publishes an ezine 4 times per year.
- Hosts an Annual Conference in the Autumn.