Korea’s First Manual of Public Health Nursing: A Foundation for Public Health Nursing Practice in Korea

초록

Purpose: This study aims to understand the functions and roles of public health nursing, which played a key role in public health center activities during the formative years of the organizations in Korea. It does so by analyzing the structure and content of Manual of Public Health Nursing, the first of its kind published in Korea, as well as its authors’ records—particularly the U.S. nurse advisors. Methods: Manual of public health nursing was investigated from the cover to the appendix with other related records from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Results: The manual was published in response to the expansion of health centers and the increasing need for standardized practice for public health nurses. It includes theoretical and practical guidelines on maternal and child health, communicable disease control, school health, health education, etc. as well as the qualifications of public health nurses. The manual was influenced by U.S. nursing education and international public health manuals. Conclusion: The manual played a critical role in shaping early public health nursing practices in Korea by providing essential knowledge and standardizing public health services. It reflected Korea’s evolving public health system, heavily influenced by U.S. aid and technical assistance. Despite its significance, challenges such as a shortage of trained public health nurses and an underdeveloped administrative structure remained unresolved. © 2025 Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.

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