Assignment Instructions
Identify a population that you will likely serve as an advanced registered nurse that you think is particularly vulnerable to issues of health disparity/inequity. Discuss the contribution of your particular specialty to health promotion and disease prevention for this population and how health promotion aligns with the Christian worldview principle of striving to further the good of society through education.
Sample Answer
Identify a population that you will likely serve as an advanced registered nurse that you think is particularly vulnerable to issues of health disparity/inequity.
Health disparities can be defined as differences in healthcare and health between different groups of people. These disparities can be linked to environmental, economic, and social advantages that affect people who are systematically affected by the obstacles in health (Ndugga & Artiga, 2023). As a nurse, one of the populations that are vulnerable to disparities is the elderly. The population, due to diminished immunity is at risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. The elderly population faces difficulties accessing healthcare services due to factors such as financial difficulties, social isolation, lack of social support fear, and lack of trust in the health system.
Discuss the contribution of your particular specialty to health promotion and disease prevention for this population and how health promotion aligns with the Christian worldview principle of striving to further the good of society through education.
As a nurse, I play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing diseases among the elderly. There are various actions that I engage in to enhance the health of the elderly. It will involve conducting a comprehensive assessment of the elderly's health including their physical and mental health and developing individualized care plans for the elderly. Individualized care plans are essential in meeting the health needs of the elderly while taking into consideration the various health disparities. Another intervention that I significantly engage in is educating the elderly, their families, and caregivers on the various disease prevention and management techniques (Melariri et al., 2022). For instance, I have participated in the provision of education on the effectiveness of alternating air pressure mattresses in preventing and managing pressure ulcers. Health promotion of the elderly aligns with the Christian Worldview principle of the importance of education provision in advancing the well-being of the entire community. The Bible requires Christians to love their neighbors as they love themselves to provide care to the vulnerable and the sick. Through health promotion and disease prevention, as a nurse, I can fulfill my contribution to the well-being of the entire society.
References
Melariri, H., Osoba, T. A., Williams, M. M., & Melariri, P. (2022). An assessment of nurses’ participation in Health Promotion: A knowledge, perception, and practice perspective. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 63(1), E27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9121667/
Ndugga, N., & Artiga, S. (2023). Disparities in health and health care: 5 key questions and answers. KFF. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/disparities-in-health-and-health-care-5-key-question-and-answers/