Nurses should work hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle in their respective communities. They should “encourage individuals to translate nursing knowledge and ideas into actual behaviors” (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011, p. 129). Some societal and individual barriers make this dream impossible in many communities. One of the major barriers includes lack of adequate healthcare resources. Such resources include social health workers, nursing homes, and clinics. The affected populations are unable to make their lives better using their knowledge. Many societies lack the relevant mechanisms and frameworks to support the best health practices. Many people lack adequate information towards improving their lifestyles. Some individual barriers also play a critical role towards worsening this situation. Many people “cannot use the best ideas to make their lives much better” (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011, p. 132). Many people do not take adequate vitamins and fruits in their diets. Such individuals also consume large quantities of cholesterols and fats.
The society has become obese due to lack of enough exercises and physical activities. Many people do not seek medical attention whenever they encounter various health complications. Most of the citizens have ignored every rule of health. Such barriers have made clinical practice impossible. Nurses are unable to deal with this problem. Caregivers and nurses have also failed to embrace the best codes of conduct. These challenges explain why many vulnerable populations have become unhealthy today (Nies & McEwen, 2011). The society should use the best strategies to overcome these barriers. The government should identify the health challenges affecting every vulnerable population. Nurses should use their competencies and skills to deliver adequate care to every citizen in the society. Every person should be ready to take care of his or her body. People should ensure their surrounding environments are clean and healthy. The society should be encouraged to consume healthy substances and engage in physical exercises.
Our society is full of many vulnerable populations. Community Health Nursing (CHN) addresses the challenges and health needs of these vulnerable populations. My targeted vulnerable population for this paper includes the elderly members of the society. The “increasing number of aging senior citizens in our country is quite alarming “(Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011, p. 132). The elderly face many health challenges and complications in their lives. Every registered nurse (RN) should be ready to deal with most of these complications. The practice will “ensure the elderly lead better lives and achieve their potentials” (Nies & McEwen, 2011, p. 102). This vulnerable population should always get the best support and healthcare. The first priority for a Community Health Nurse (CHN) working with the elderly is diagnosing every disease or health complication affecting them. The elderly show many diseases, symptoms, and complications. CHNs should use their skill in order to identify the conditions affecting this population (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011). Most of the conditions and diseases affecting the elderly are terminal in nature. These conditions might not disappear after a long period.
The second priority for a Community Health Nurse working with these citizens is symptom management. The practice will also support the health needs of these individuals. The third priority to consider when working the elderly is “the provision of adequate care and support” (Nies & McEwen, 2011, p. 74). The elderly should remain in a clean and comfortable environment. Community Health Nurses should always support the health needs of these patients (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011). The practice will ensure these citizens eat balanced diets and engage in light activities. CHNs should ensure the elderly take their medications in a timely manner. The approach will support the changing needs of these vulnerable citizens.
Reference List
Bookman, A., & Kimbrel, D. (2011). Families and Elder Care in the Twenty-First Century. The Future of Children, 21(2), 117-140.
Nies, A., & McEwen, M. (2011). Community/Public Health Nursing: Promoting the health of populations. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier.