Book excerpt: This introduction to community based nursing roles and concepts focuses on nursing care of the individual in a community setting. The text is divided into four units that cover the knowledge base for concepts and the application of concepts. Basic concepts are presented in the first unit, with discussion of practice settings, levels of prevention, health promotion, the family and cultural considerations. Three basic skills of the community based nursing - communicating, educating and managing - are examined in the second unit. The third unit explains the application of skills and concepts to continuity of care, discharge planning, community resources and referrals and home health practice. The fourth unit prepares the reader for what's ahead, with a look into future trends in community based nursing.