Final answer:
The first action a community health nurse should take in developing a health program is to determine the community's specific needs. This lays the groundwork for subsequent steps such as identifying resources, setting achievable program goals, and developing an evaluation plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a community health nurse is planning to develop a community health program, the first action they should take is to Determine the need. This involves identifying and defining critical problems and barriers of health within the community. By understanding the community's specific health needs, the nurse can tailor the program to address those needs effectively. After determining the need, the nurse can move on to identify available resources, establish program goals that are achievable and appropriate, and develop an evaluation plan. This ensures that the program is built on a solid foundation of community-specific data and has a clear direction for success.