Community Health Nursing

Community Health Nursing The scope of epidemiology has "changed in recent years," Karen Lundy explains; not only are investigations carried out vis-a-vis determinants of illness and disease, but the "variables that contribute to the maintenance of health" are considered part of the epidemiological process. Hence, an RN named Valerie Swain in San Diego was practicing epidemiology when she established a program (through an interfaith organization) that assured homeless people who are just out of surgery don't have to go back to the street to heal.

"After surgery, you want a place to go lay down and recuperate," she said (San Diego U-T). "…Helping the homeless has provided a new lens through which to view her role in the community" (San Diego-U-T). TWO: The nursing process when the community is the client means assessing "…the health of the community itself" by identifying "the characteristics, resources, and needs" and the "applicable environmental variables" (Hitchcock, 2003). The community health nurse (CHN) should be "…hyper-vigilant to what is not healthful or productive for a & #8230; community" (Hitchcock, 343).

The community as client means the CHN takes a "…broader view of the community in respect to health promotion, prevention of disease, sanitation, epidemics and immunization programs" (Hitchcock, 343).

THREE: A windshield survey is basically collecting data through close observation (either from a car or on foot) to see potential signs of lead in the community: a) evidence of what once was a filling station (lead from pre-unleaded gasoline could be in the ground); b) industry near the community that might spew toxins, including lead; c) abandoned buildings that may have painted walls that contains lead.

Surveyors should watch for stagnant water; for the use of pesticides on green lawns; for asbestos; and vacant lots with trash, weeds, and rusted machinery. FOUR: Any person conducting a windshield survey who finds evidence of lead in a neighborhood -- or who is suspicious of the possibility of lead -- should contact the country health department; there is usually an "environmental health" agency in every big city and county.

Any potential evidence of the presence of lead or other toxic materials that could harm the community (in particular the children) should be reported to the environmental health agency, and if that group is not responsive, a local elected official should be contacted.

FIVE: The data that should be collected and presented to appropriate authorities includes specific abandoned buildings (addresses of the buildings and digital photos), potential activities of children that could mean they are getting exposed (for example, children playing in the dirt near where a factory was located, or where a gasoline station existed when lead was an ingredient in gasoline; lead remains in the soil for many years). Also, any evidence that children are being exposed to lead poisoning should be presented.

SIX: The criteria needing to be developed include a screening program for children once a year. Children in low-income or run-down neighborhoods should be screened once a year for possible lead in their bloodstream. Children living in houses that were built before 1978, and where paint is peeling, should be screened. And the Centers for Disease Control recommend "…all children Medicaid-elgible are categorized as a 'vulnerable population' because they are more likely to live in lead-contaminated housing" (Goodwin, 2009). SEVEN: The nurses association in the community can show leadership in this matter.

The nurse has credibility, and after doing the research, nurses can enlist doctors, other healthcare individuals,.