- Nursing Roles in Meeting Community Health Needs
- Influences on the Healthcare System and Nursing Practice
- Strategies to Address Health Disparities Among Vulnerable Populations
- Predicting Lifestyle Trends Impacting Community Health
- Public Health Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation Skills
- Developing Effective Strategies for Disaster Management
- References
Nursing Roles in Meeting Community Health Needs
The first course learning objective examines nurses’ roles in meeting the current health needs of communities and individuals. Regarding this objective, I have learned that nursing roles have been evolving because the community’s needs have become more complex and require a different nursing approach than in the past (Clark, 2015). For example, I have learned that nurse practitioners play an essential role as advanced practice registered nurses; therefore, their scope of responsibilities is broader (Peake, 2019). Clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, public health nurses, and researchers are all critical roles nurses can play in meeting the community’s emergent needs.
Influences on the Healthcare System and Nursing Practice
The second objective was to explore what forces can influence the healthcare system, nurses, and patients. Regarding this objective, I have come to understand that specific forces have been a decisive factor in shaping the nursing and healthcare systems to date. For example, historically, nursing has evolved as a female-dominated occupation, which is still perceived from this perspective (Peake, 2019). I have also learned that nurses must be culturally competent as social, cultural, and political forces influence individuals’ and communities’ health beliefs, practices, and behaviors (Clark, 2015). Learning about these factors has helped me understand that nurses must adapt their practice to meet patients’ needs in response to these forces.
Strategies to Address Health Disparities Among Vulnerable Populations
The next objective included assessing strategies aimed at eliminating disparities in healthcare and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. I have explored various strategies, including health education and promotion, outreach programs, collaborative partnerships, nursing advocacy, and the enhancement of cultural competencies (Peake, 2019). These strategies can be used effectively to address healthcare disparities; however, I have come to understand that improving education and cultural competencies is crucial.
Predicting Lifestyle Trends Impacting Community Health
The fourth objective of the course was to predict lifestyle trends that will influence communities’ health. After the course, I have a better understanding of how dangerous most current lifestyle trends are, and if nurses do not address them, the community’s health will be seriously affected. For example, mental health issues seem to be a trend that is yet to become worse and contribute to the community’s health getting worse (Peake, 2019). On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle is becoming increasingly widespread, further affecting the population’s health in the long run.
Public Health Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation Skills
The fifth objective was practically oriented and involved planning and implementing public health surveillance, as well as investigating outbreaks. After completing the course, I understand how to construct the process of public health surveillance and outbreak investigation. I am familiar with conducting planning and analysis, as well as the stages that must be included in the process (Clark, 2015). I have learned how data collection, risk assessments, intervention development, and other processes can be conducted (Peake, 2019). Overall, I have acquired critical practical skills regarding public health surveillance.
Developing Effective Strategies for Disaster Management
Finally, the last objective was concerned with the development of strategies in disaster management. Disaster management preparedness is a crucial skill that all nurses should develop. After completing the course, I feel more prepared for emergencies, natural disasters, and other unexpected situations. I am familiar with the steps to take in the event of a disaster and understand the role a nurse can play in this process.
References
Clark, M. J. (2015). Population and community health nursing (6th ed.). Pearson.
Peake, G. (2019). Fundamentals of Community Health Nursing. Alexis Press LLC.