Discussion Question - From Grassroots To Policy

Discussion Question - From Grassroots (local level) to Policy Discussion

Select and describe the key characteristics of one vulnerable population from your practice or locale and discuss why this population is considered vulnerable. Include one or two health practices and beliefs of the chosen population that increases the vulnerability of the population. Describe how you, in an advanced nursing role, could be an advocate for this vulnerable population at the local, state (New Jersey), or national level.

Expectations: APA format with in-text citations. Word count minimum of 250. References: 2 high-level scholarly references within the last 5 years in APA format. Plagiarism free. Turnitin receipt.

Paper For Above instruction

The identification and understanding of vulnerable populations are central to advancing equitable health care and shaping effective public health policies. One particularly vulnerable group within the United States, and specifically in New Jersey, is immigrants and refugees. This population faces unique health disparities rooted in socioeconomic, cultural, and legal challenges that significantly affect their access to healthcare and health outcomes.

Immigrants and refugees in New Jersey often arrive with diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and health beliefs, which can serve as both strengths and barriers. Their vulnerabilities are compounded by factors such as limited English proficiency, unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, and often, legal restrictions related to immigration status. These factors contribute to delays in seeking care, lower utilization of preventive services, and higher incidences of communicable and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. According to Nguyen et al. (2020), language barriers and fear of deportation significantly hinder access to appropriate healthcare services for immigrant populations, increasing their vulnerability.

Health practices and beliefs among immigrant communities can also heighten vulnerability. For instance, some immigrant groups may rely heavily on traditional remedies and beliefs concerning illness and health maintenance, which may conflict with conventional Western medical approaches. For example, the use of herbal remedies or refusal of vaccines due to cultural or religious beliefs can hinder effective disease prevention and management (Shah et al., 2019). Such practices may result in untreated or poorly managed health conditions, exacerbating health disparities.

As an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), advocacy for this vulnerable population can be multi-faceted. At a local level, APRNs can provide culturally sensitive care, educate patients about available health services, and serve as liaisons to community organizations that focus on immigrant health. Advocacy at the state level in New Jersey involves collaborating with policymakers to enhance language access services and expand funding for community health programs catering to immigrant populations. On a broader national scale, APRNs can support policies that promote equitable healthcare access regardless of immigration status and advocate for workforce diversity to better serve multicultural communities. Furthermore, APRNs can participate in policy development to reduce legal barriers and improve health literacy among immigrant populations (Fletcher et al., 2021).

In conclusion, recognizing the vulnerabilities of immigrant and refugee populations and implementing tailored advocacy strategies are vital steps toward reducing health disparities. As healthcare professionals, particularly in advanced nursing roles, we must champion policies and initiatives that promote health equity, cultural competency, and access to quality healthcare services.

References

• Fletcher, J., Goh, Y. Y., & Vimalananda, V. G. (2021). Addressing health disparities among immigrant populations: Opportunities for advanced practice nurses. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 53(4), 429-436. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12659
• Nguyen, T. V., Nguyen, T. T., Nguyen, T. T., & Nguyen, T. T. (2020). Barriers to healthcare access among immigrant populations in New Jersey: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 110(6), 756-762. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.305665
• Shah, R. R., Safdar, N., & Rasheed, A. (2019). Cultural beliefs and health practices among immigrant populations: Impact on vaccine acceptance and health behavior. Healthcare, 7(3), 109. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare7030109