Defining Needs of Vulnerable Populations
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words and cite 1 reference:
Based on your community observations in week 2, what was the most important data point? What finding was most surprising to you?
Respond to the following 2 discussions in a minimum of 120 words each and cite 1 reference each:
1) The most surprising observation or actually what I discovered through looking up data was that there is no homeless shelters in our town. Since week two, I reached out to our Case Manager that serves the unit that I work on at the hospital and I have since found that there is an addiction clinic and that it serves in and out patients and has follow-up care. This town neighbors several other suburban cities of Denver, and there are several shelters within twenty miles. With the population growth in out state, 14.8% from 2010 to 2020, this town does have a growing population of homeless citizens as well. “…health promotion is about increasing control over one’s health…” (Oudshoorn, A., et al, 2013). Safe Housing and access to Quality Healthcare are two very important social determinants that needs to be addressed in the community. All people need to have a safe place in which they can receive health care. Homelessness limits an individual’s or family’s ability to promote health. This is what I would consider the most important data point for this community. (Mickey)
Oudshoorn, A., Ward-Griffin, C., Poland, B., Berman, H., & Forchuk, C. (2013). Community Health Promotion With People Who Are Experiencing Homelessness. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 30(1), 28-41. Retrieved August 26, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/24262939
2) The most important data that I found out about social determinants of health, is that addressing social determinants of health is more important for improving healthcare or lifestyle choices. Housing, social services, geographical location, and education are some of the most common social determinants of health. Working as a nurse for twelve years in a geriatric setting, never gave me an opportunity to go out there and experience how people live, and the disparities that happen in underserved communities. When I moved from geriatric to home health nursing, I am still surprised by what i see in different communities as i go out to visit my patients. The communities are populated with vibrant adults both males and females sitting in front of the pouch, drinking, smoking, and playing music. These people are supposed to be out there working and contributing to society in a positive manner. Even the young ones coming from school are dressed indecently and the near community health is lacking the most basic needs. My home health experience and my going back to school for a bachelor’s have opened my eyes. The environment is important for well-being and overall health.
Reference:
Nies, M.A., McEwen, M. (2019). Community/public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (7th ed.). Elsevier