Definition: Community nurses are registered nurses who work in the community: in people's homes, in schools and in local surgeries and health centres. The people they work with may be ill or disabled. Community nurses also look after people whose health may be particularly vulnerable, such as older people, children, people with mental ill-health or people with learning disabilities. They visit people at home to provide health care - for example, changing dressings or giving injections - and help people get any home nursing aids and equipment they need. Community nurses can provide help and advice on a wide range of health issues. The term includes practice nurses, district nurses, community mental health nurses, health visitors and school nurses.

Category: adult social care

Credit: Department of Health

Source: Glossary of Adult Social Care Terms