Select A Community Or Marginalized Population Of Interest
Select A Community Or Marginalized Population Of Interest Then
Complete an assessment of the community and the population using the windshield survey tool from Stanhope & Lancaster’s Community Health Nursing in Canada (4th Edition) to identify one current need or gap in services or resources. Develop a health promotion plan within your scope of practice to address this need, approximately 2-3 pages in length, following APA standards. Include an introduction describing the community or population’s history, demographics, values, and beliefs, as well as perceptions; identify a nursing diagnosis related to the gap or need supported by evidence; outline your plan to address the need, including necessary resources and the appropriate community health nurse standard; describe how you would deliver the content if unrestricted; reflect on the role of community health nurses and the expected benefits of the health promotion; and prepare a poster or PowerPoint presentation of your activity.
Paper For Above instruction
The community I have selected for this assessment is a marginalized population of urban homeless youth aged 16-24 years in a metropolitan city. This population faces unique challenges including lack of stable housing, limited access to healthcare, and high rates of mental health issues and substance abuse. Conducting a windshield survey and reviewing existing literature reveal critical gaps in comprehensive healthcare services and preventive health resources tailored to their needs, which significantly impact their overall well-being and ability to integrate into society.
Introduction
The urban homeless youth community has a complex history characterized by familial instability, socioeconomic disadvantage, and often, histories of trauma and abuse. Demographically, this population predominantly consists of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, with a significant proportion experiencing poverty, lack of education, and unemployment. Values and beliefs vary widely among these youth but generally include distrust of institutions and a desire for stability and belonging. Personal perceptions from the community suggest feelings of invisibility, stigma, and despair, while my own perceptions highlight the importance of culturally sensitive interventions that prioritize dignity and empowerment.
Nursing Diagnosis
The primary gap identified is the lack of accessible mental health resources and preventive healthcare tailored to homeless youth. Evidence from community health assessments indicates elevated rates of untreated depression, anxiety, and substance misuse among this population, compounded by barriers such as transportation, fear of judgment, and lack of identification. This gap contributes to their increased risk of hospitalization, infectious diseases, and ongoing homelessness, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without targeted intervention.
Plan
My plan is to implement a mobile health clinic that offers free, youth-friendly mental health counseling, substance abuse screening, and primary care services directly at locations frequented by homeless youth, such as shelters and drop-in centers. The plan aims to provide accessible, stigma-free healthcare tailored to this community’s needs. To execute this, I will need personnel trained in youth mental health and substance counseling, portable medical equipment, and funding for supplies. This initiative aligns with the Community Health Nurse Standard for promoting partnerships and health promotion in vulnerable populations.
Implementation
Without restrictions, I would deliver education through interactive workshops, peer-led support groups, and informational posters placed at community hubs to maximize engagement. Additionally, I would organize outreach events that include health fairs and collaborative activities with local organizations to foster trust and sustained relationships. The focus would be on building rapport and empowering youth to seek ongoing healthcare support.
Self Reflection
One of the most important roles community health nurses play is advocating for marginalized populations and creating accessible, culturally competent health promotion initiatives. I believe the health promotion in this project can significantly benefit homeless youth by increasing their awareness of available resources, reducing stigma, and fostering resilience. Empowering these young individuals with knowledge and accessible care can facilitate their pathway towards stability, improved health, and integration into society.
Conclusion
By addressing the significant healthcare gaps faced by homeless youth through innovative, accessible, and youth-centered interventions, community health nurses can make a meaningful impact. Continued advocacy, tailored services, and sustained engagement are crucial for promoting health equity within this vulnerable population.
References
- Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2020). Community health nursing in Canada (4th ed.). Elsevier.
- Bender, K., et al. (2014). "Health disparities among homeless youth." Journal of Community Health Nursing, 31(3), 160-171.
- Rew, L., et al. (2013). "Mental health needs of homeless youth." Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 28(6), 543-552.
- Himmelstein, D. U., & Wolf, J. (2016). "Homelessness and health." American Journal of Public Health, 106(8), 1408-1410.
- Ferguson, H. B., et al. (2013). "Addressing social determinants of health among youth." Public Health Reports, 128(Suppl 3), 49-56.
- National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2020). "Youth homelessness: Facts and figures." Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org
- Larimer, M. E., & Malone, D. (2007). "Community based outreach and engagement." Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 33(2), 195-206.
- O’Connell, M. E., et al. (2015). "Homeless youth in urban settings." Pediatrics, 135(4), e865-e874.
- Johnson, G., et al. (2018). "Culturally sensitive health interventions for marginalized youth." Journal of Adolescence, 68, 135-144.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements. ANA Publishing.