In this mid-course entry into your Nurse E-Portfolio for this course, you will be exploring how you feel about vulnerable populations. Using the e-portfolio format, answer the following questions. Make sure you spend some time thinking about the answers to these questions before writing. Discuss your experience with a vulnerable population. Describe the experience and how you felt about it. Do you think your feelings will influence the type of care you provide, If so, in what ways?
Exploring our feelings about vulnerable populations is essential for healthcare professionals, as it can have a significant impact on the type of care provided. In this mid-course entry, I will discuss my experience with a vulnerable population, describe the experience, and examine how my feelings may influence the care I provide.
During my clinical placement at a local community health clinic, I had the opportunity to work with a vulnerable population – individuals experiencing homelessness. This experience not only exposed me to the complex healthcare needs of this population but also challenged my preconceptions and elicited a range of emotions.
One particular encounter stands out in my memory. I met a middle-aged man, let’s call him Mr. Smith, who had been living on the streets for several years. He presented with multiple health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and untreated diabetes. As I interacted with Mr. Smith, I observed the challenges he faced in accessing consistent healthcare and managing his chronic conditions.
The encounter with Mr. Smith left me feeling a combination of empathy, frustration, and determination. Empathy emerged as I listened to his struggles and witnessed the impact of homelessness on his physical and mental well-being. I saw firsthand the daily hardships he faced – the lack of stable housing, inadequate nutrition, and limited access to medications. These experiences evoked a deep sense of compassion for Mr. Smith and others in similar circumstances, motivating me to advocate for their healthcare needs.
However, alongside empathy, I also felt frustration. Frustration stemmed from the systemic barriers and limited resources that hindered Mr. Smith’s access to healthcare services. It became apparent that his healthcare needs were often overlooked or inadequately addressed. This frustration fueled a sense of urgency within me to find ways to improve the provision of care for vulnerable populations, not only at an individual level but also at a larger systemic level.
Furthermore, this experience served as a catalyst for my determination to become an advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness. Witnessing the injustices and inequities faced by this population intensified my commitment to pursuing policy changes and engaging in community initiatives that aim to address the root causes of homelessness and improve access to essential healthcare services.
Reflecting on my feelings, it is clear that they will undoubtedly influence the type of care I provide in my future nursing practice. Empathy will guide my interactions with vulnerable populations, allowing me to approach each individual with kindness, understanding, and respect. This empathetic approach will help build trust and foster a therapeutic relationship, enabling effective collaboration in care planning and decision-making.
Moreover, the frustration I experienced will serve as a motivating force for me to actively seek opportunities for advocacy and systemic change. I will strive to be a voice for vulnerable populations, raising awareness of their unique healthcare needs and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, policymakers, and community organizations to create sustainable solutions.
Furthermore, my determination to be an advocate stems from a deep understanding of the importance of addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to vulnerability. By integrating a social justice lens into my practice, I will work towards promoting health equity and reducing health disparities among vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, my experience with a vulnerable population has evoked a range of emotions, including empathy, frustration, and determination. These feelings will undoubtedly shape the type of care I provide by guiding my interactions, motivating advocacy efforts, and fostering a commitment to addressing social determinants of health. As I continue to develop my nursing practice, I will work towards providing compassionate, patient-centered care while actively striving for systemic change to improve the healthcare outcomes of vulnerable populations.