An Introduction to Community and Primary Health Care

Introduction

A youth health nurse provides health care specifically to young people aged 12–25 years in a community setting. Most often the role requires a combination of both primary care and primary health care, although greater emphasis on one rather than the other may be apparent in some settings. Regardless of the focus of care provided, what is most important is that the service is youth-friendly, flexible and confidential where possible (Nair et al., 2015). A youth health nurse needs to be able to provide adequate information and support to young people in a non-judgemental way, enabling them to make informed choices. The young person has not come to see the nurse to receive the same response as a parent or caregiver might offer; therefore, it is important to listen and respond in an appropriate way to the young person's needs. It is difficult to develop the rapport required to identify health concerns, discuss treatments and provide health education if a young person believes you are not interested in them personally, or feels that you are making judgements relating to their behaviour (Wilson & Usher, 2015). Having specialist adolescent health nurses within health service teams facilitates the provision of adolescent-appropriate health promotion, education and treatment within the community

Adolescence and youth health

For many years adolescents were included in the infant and child caring framework, as differences and the specific needs related to this part of the lifespan were not acknowledged. Historically, adolescence is a relatively new social construction. In the past, you were a child and then once you were physically developed enough to work as an adult or reproduce, you became an adult. However, the time between childhood and adulthood has expanded, as lifespan has increased, and the threats to survival have diminished. Cultural values and laws have shaped a distinct time of transition, expectation and psychological adjustment which we refer to as ‘adolescence’. Puberty has generally been considered the beginning of adolescence; however, when this ends is less clear. Legal definitions relating to adulthood vary between, as well as within, countries. Adult rights such as the right to vote, drink alcohol, smoke, drive a car and get married are often used as markers for the end of adolescence.