[The work of the Public Health nurse in Finland 1920-1944].

Two private organizations, the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare and the Folkhälsan Association, established the Public Health Nursing institution in Finland in the beginning of the 1920's. These organizations laid the foundation of, developed and supervised the activities of the Public Health Nursing institution, which became statutory in 1944. They also started the training of public health nurses, which in 1931 was taken over by the state. In 1924 instructions were issued stating the duties, responsibilities and rights of the public health nurse. She had to visit each home in her district. Her main duty was to explain the principles of healthy living for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. Although her work had a preventive nature, her duties included nursing care of the sick in their homes if needed. She also had to instruct someone in the home in nursing. The health of the family was the goal of all public health nursing. The emphasis was on nursing care during pregnancy and the care of the mother and new-born baby after delivery. Other duties were supervision of the infant and pre-school child through home visits and group conferences. Supervision of the health and habits of the school-child, including assistance in the control of communicable diseases in cooperation with physicians, school personnel and parents. Supervision of the health of adults in regard to prevention and control of communicaable diseases, especially tuberculosis. Nursing care including first aid and the promotion of health of industrial workers and their families. Teaching of first aid, home nursing and child care....