Identify a population that you will likely serve as an advanced registered nurse that you think is particularly vulnerable to issues of health disparity/inequity. Discuss the contribution of your particular specialty to health promotion and disease prevention for this population. How do issues of diversity and global perspectives of care contribute to your understanding of health equity as it relates to this population?
In my current hospital facility, we see several from the under-served population. The issue of homelessness is huge for this group. These individuals are usually not focused on being proactive with their health. They are focused on the basics such as food and shelter. When we end up meeting this population, they have illnesses and diseases that have progressed. It is now much more difficult and time-consuming than what it would be if the health issue had been addressed much sooner. “Representing more than 20% of the public health workforce, Public Health Nurses (PHNs) use their expertise and unique skill set to promote and protect the health of the communities and populations they serve” (Schaer, 2022, p. 678). By becoming a Public Health Nurse, I know that I will be able to reach this vulnerable population and assist in educating them to further reduce the possibility of reaching admission to a hospital. I will be diverting these individuals by assisting them by improving their diets and any current medication and more importantly answering any questions that they have about their health. I will also have resources that are available to them so that they can also address the issues of meeting their basic needs as well as continue to improve their health status.
Reference
Schaer, J. M., Campbell, L. A., & Thomas, L. J. (2022). The first line of prevention: A public health nursing advocacy video. Public Health Nursing, 39(3), 677–682. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/phn.13013
Replies to Crystal Graber
As a nurse educator, I will most likely be pursuing an instructor position for nursing students. Students can be particularly vulnerable to health disparities and/or inequities. Nursing school is no easy task, and the teaching about selfcare and daily health habits must be incorporated into the curriculum for optimal performance within the classroom and clinical settings. Facilitating learning in a healthy environment can help set up the nursing student with a positive vantage point to pursue high quality patient care.
The nurse educator helps encourage and lead nursing students through their rigorous journey of learning the art of nursing. As a team, the nurse educator and student care for patients in many different areas of nursing specialties. Exposure to a multitude of health disparities and/or inequities has a significant impact on the nursing student’s perception and recognition of the community’s wellbeing and unique needs. These experiences may help the students critically think about what their individual journey and specific passions as a nurse will develop into.
Homelessness is one of the main inequities I have witnessed throughout my journey as nurse. It is crucial for the nurse educator to cultivate respect and consideration for health disparities within the nursing students’ clinical experiences. Addressing underlying causes of the circumstances and providing therapeutic touch and communication can create as sense of hope and renewed perseverance within this displaced population. Creating a focus surrounding the different resources and solutions to help with the situation can initiate positive change and create opportunities of progress towards prosperity (Flaubert, 2021).
The majority of the homeless population has often times experienced problems with mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, and impoverished living. The nature of society and the social policies that influence levels of household income classes lead to harmful stigmas and roadblocks associated with decreased chances of success and achievements for the underdog. Strengthening policy development and supporting community outreach initiatives can help with this severely underserved community (Institute of Global Homelessness, 2019).
Flaubert J.L., Le Menestrel S., Williams D.R., (2021). The Role of Nurses in Improving Health Equity. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and M
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