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The role of public health nursing in Europe is changing as an ageing population and increasing social exclusion make new demands on health and social services. The purpose of this study was to describe how Finnish public health nurses (PHNs) practise in their daily work in order to meet the needs of this changing society. The knowledge base of the PHNs’ work strongly emphasised experiential knowledge. However, on a theoretical level, medical knowledge dominated their work. The target of the PHNs’ work was most frequently an individual, and perspectives of population or community were less common. The methods used in interactions with clients were participatory and empowered individuals to enhance their own health, and multiprofessional collaboration focused on joint decision-making and working towards the shared health goals of the client. However, PHNs need to employ a more reflective approach to their daily practice and take a more active role as an influential person in community and policy level.