Week 1 Discussion Topic 1: Community-Based Nursing
Health concerns vary across populations depending on lifestyles, vulnerabilities, and access to health care resources, among other factors. Due to their critical role in health care delivery, nurses should assess community problems and develop practical interventions. It is crucial to target specific populations, particularly the most vulnerable, for better outcomes.
I have identified four targeted populations in the Okeechobee community whose concerns should be addressed adequately. The first population of concern is high school and middle school students engaging in binge drinking and alcoholism. The trend is worrying since the drinking rate in Okeechobee is higher than the state’s rate (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019). The other targeted population is high school and middle school students with high BMI (at or above the 95th percentile). Other populations of interest and concern include licensed physicians and dentists since their number has been significantly lower than the state’s rate and young people committing suicide. The suicide rate i
n Okeechobee County (15.2) is higher than the state’s rate (13.1) per 100,000 people (FLHealthCharts, n.d.). Besides, the deaths occur more often.
These populations were selected due to the far-reaching impacts of their problems on the community’s health. For instance, increased binge drinking and alcoholism increase the chances for chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes (Sterling et al., 2020). High BMI is a risk factor for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. In health care delivery, an inadequate workforce implies delayed care and a high probability of working in stressful environments. Such challenges further hamper the quality of care that the community receives in health care organizations. Suicide indicates other significant community health problems unaddressed, such as depression and alcoholism among young people.
The selected populations have unique health concerns requiring practically advanced interventions. Generally, they indicate an unhealthy community whose productivity is at risk if the concerns are not addressed timely and adequately. As a result, nurses should be actively involved in solutions generation, such as increased awareness and policymaking.
Week 1 Discussion Topic 1: Community-Based Nursing References
FLHealthCharts. (n.d.). Suicide deaths. https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=Death.DataViewer&cid=0116&drpCounty=47
Sterling, S. A., Palzes, V. A., Lu, Y., Kline-Simon, A. H., Parthasarathy, S., Ross, T., … & Chi, F. W. (2020). Associations between medical conditions and alcohol consumption levels in an adult primary care population. JAMA Network Open, 3(5), e204687-e204687. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4687
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 national survey on drug use and health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018.pdf
Nurses play an integral part in the health care and positively impact individuals and communities. Community-based nursing serves the need of individuals who may have limited access to health care. Community-based nursing enables medical professional to tackle needs of individual members of a community (Flaherty & Bartels, 2019). Based on an interview with a community-based nurse, this essay describes the role of community-based nursing.
Job Responsibilities
The purpose of community-based nursing is to serve as the initial point of contact between individuals and families and the larger healthcare system. The responsibilities of a community-based nurse include promotion of health and prevention of disease. community-based nurses offer care to individuals of all ages, in most cases individuals with a host of medical conditions (Dickson et al., 2018). Nurses in community-based nursing centers implement a host of proactive programs in areas like health education and restorative care to lead healthier communities.
Correlation between Job Description and Practice
Asked about the correlation between her job description and practice, the community-based nurse was categorical that a link exists as the practitioner deals with individuals in home settings, especially those with limited access to healthcare resources (Flaherty & Bartels, 2019). As an advanced practice registered nurse, the practitioner asserts that her role id to share information with patients which assist them attain and maintain optimal health through mental and physical wellness.
Involvement in Policy Formulation Affecting Patients
Involvement in policy formulation is a critical aspect of enhancing advocacy efforts for nurses dealing with community-based practice. The community-based nurse was categorical that at the moment, she is not involved in formulating policies. However, she acknowledged the critical role of nurse practitioners in policy development and implementation for patients’ benefits.
Belonging to a Professional Organization
Asked about being a member of a professional organization, the nurse said that she is a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) which is one of the largest labor unions not just in the United States but in the world. She was categorical that such associations are essential for career growth and development as well as acquisition of new skills by nurses.
Week 1 Discussion Topic 1: Community-Based Nursing References
Dickson, C. A., McVittie, C., & Kapilashrami, A. (2018). Expertise in action: Insights into the
dynamic nature of expertise in community‐based nursing. Journal of clinical nursing, 27(3-4), e451-e462. DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13950.
Flaherty, E., & Bartels, S. J. (2019). Addressing the community‐based geriatric healthcare
workforce shortage by leveraging the potential of inter-professional teams. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(S2), S400-S408.DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15924.