After Reviewing Module 1 Lecture Materials And Resources ✓ Solved

After Reviewingmodule 1 Lecture Materials Resources Discuss The Fo

After reviewing Module 1: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following: Who are the clients in Community Health nursing? What government resources might they be eligible for? What agencies are responsible for those resources? Submission Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Community health nursing is a vital component of the healthcare system focused on promoting health and preventing disease among populations within specific communities. Unlike acute care nursing, which centers on individual patients, community health nursing emphasizes the health needs of groups, neighborhoods, or entire populations. This essay explores who the clients are in community health nursing, the government resources available to them, and the agencies responsible for these resources.

Clients in Community Health Nursing

The primary clients in community health nursing are diverse, encompassing individuals, families, groups, and entire communities (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020). These clients often have varying health needs influenced by social determinants, socioeconomic status, cultural backgrounds, and geographic locations. For example, vulnerable populations such as the homeless, children, elderly residents, refugees, and individuals with chronic diseases are frequently targeted by community health nurses (Anderson, 2018).

Community health nurses serve clients across various settings, including clinics, schools, home environments, and community centers, addressing a wide range of health issues. Their focus extends beyond treating illness to promoting wellness, managing chronic conditions, and preventing disease outbreaks. For example, they may conduct immunization campaigns, health education sessions, or screenings to detect health problems early (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020).

The clients are often characterized by their limited access to traditional healthcare services due to financial, geographical, or social barriers (Brady et al., 2019). As a result, community health nurses play a crucial role in ensuring that these underserved populations receive equitable healthcare services and support.

Government Resources for Community Clients

Many community health clients are eligible for a range of government resources aimed at improving health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health (Buchanan et al., 2019). These resources can include health insurance programs, nutritional assistance, housing support, mental health services, and preventive care programs.

One of the most well-known government programs is Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2022). Eligibility criteria vary by state but generally include low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers food assistance to qualifying individuals and families to combat hunger and promote nutrition, contributing positively to overall health (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2023). Additionally, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial aid and case management services to support families' stability and health (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2022).

Other essential resources include housing support programs like Section 8, which subsidize affordable housing, and mental health services provided through community mental health centers funded by federal and state governments. These resources not only improve access to healthcare but also address broader issues such as nutrition, housing stability, and mental health, which are all determinants of health (Brady et al., 2019).

Responsible Agencies

Various agencies are charged with administering and overseeing these resources. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a primary federal agency responsible for many health programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF (HHS, 2022). Within HHS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) manages Medicaid and Medicare programs, implementing policies and regulations to ensure access and quality (CMS, 2022).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers SNAP, focusing on promoting food security nationwide (USDA, 2023). Additionally, local and state public health departments operate under state governments, managing community health clinics, immunization programs, and housing subsidies. These departments coordinate efforts to deliver services and ensure equitable access within their jurisdictions.

Nonprofit organizations also play significant roles, often partnering with government agencies to extend outreach and support services, especially to marginalized populations (Anderson, 2018). Their efforts complement governmental programs and foster community engagement.

Conclusion

In community health nursing, clients are diverse and often vulnerable populations facing social and economic barriers to healthcare. They are eligible for numerous government resources such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and housing assistance, which are administered by federal, state, and local agencies including HHS, CMS, USDA, and public health departments. These resources are critical for addressing health disparities and promoting overall well-being within communities. Community health nurses serve as essential intermediaries, connecting clients to these vital resources and advocating for their health needs.

References

  • Anderson, M. (2018). The role of community health nursing: Promoting health equity. Journal of Community Nursing, 32(3), 45-53.
  • Brady, S. D., et al. (2019). Social determinants of health and community health nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 67(2), 127-134.
  • Buchanan, R. S., et al. (2019). Public health programs and policies to improve health equity. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S3), S162–S167.
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Medicaid & CHIP. https://www.medicaid.gov
  • Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2020). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community (10th ed.). Elsevier.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). About HHS. https://www.hhs.gov/about/index.html