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 or national level.
Introduction
Vulnerable populations are groups within a population that are at higher risk for adverse health outcomes due to various social, economic, and health-related factors. These populations often face barriers in accessing healthcare services and experience disparities in health outcomes. In this paper, we will explore the key characteristics of one vulnerable population in our locale and discuss why they are considered vulnerable. Additionally, we will analyze one or two health practices and beliefs of the chosen population that contribute to their vulnerability. Finally, we will describe how an advanced nursing role can serve as an advocate for this vulnerable population at different levels of policy and healthcare.
Key Characteristics of the Chosen Vulnerable Population
The chosen vulnerable population in our locale is homeless individuals. Homelessness is a pressing issue in many communities, and these individuals face significant challenges in various aspects of their lives, including healthcare. Homeless individuals often lack stable housing, income, and access to basic resources, rendering them vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. Some key characteristics of this population include poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, and a lack of social support networks.
Poverty is a primary characteristic of homeless individuals. Many are unable to secure stable employment or have low wage jobs that cannot sustain their basic needs. Poverty restricts access to necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare, increasing vulnerability to physical and mental health issues. The link between poverty and poor health outcomes has been extensively documented, and this relationship is particularly prominent in homeless populations.
Mental illness is another significant characteristic of homeless individuals. Many people experiencing homelessness have preexisting mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression. The lack of stable housing exacerbates these mental health problems and makes it challenging for individuals to maintain their medications or engage in therapy. Untreated mental illness can lead to a cycle of homelessness and exacerbate other health issues, including substance abuse.
Substance abuse is a prevalent issue among homeless individuals. Substance use disorders, such as alcohol or drug addiction, often coexist with homelessness. Individuals may turn to substances as a coping mechanism for their challenging circumstances, leading to a dependency that further increases their vulnerability. Substance abuse can have significant adverse effects on physical and mental health and impede individuals’ ability to escape homelessness.
The lack of social support networks is an additional characteristic of homeless individuals. Many people experiencing homelessness have strained or non-existent relationships with family and friends, which further perpetuates their vulnerable status. The absence of supportive relationships makes it difficult for them to access resources and find stability in their lives. Without a support network, individuals may struggle to navigate the healthcare system and seek the necessary assistance to improve their health outcomes.
Health Practices and Beliefs Contributing to Vulnerability
Homeless individuals often face numerous health practices and beliefs that further contribute to their vulnerability. One such practice is the reliance on emergency departments for primary healthcare needs. Without access to regular primary care, homeless individuals frequently resort to utilizing emergency rooms for non-urgent issues, contributing to the overcrowding of these facilities and increasing healthcare costs. This practice is reinforced by the belief that emergency rooms are the only avenue for receiving medical care, as many homeless individuals may not be aware of or have access to other healthcare options.
Another health practice that contributes to the vulnerability of homeless individuals is high-risk behavior, such as substance abuse and unprotected sexual activity. These behaviors can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. Limited access to prevention programs and educational resources further exacerbates these risks. Additionally, due to the transient nature of homelessness, continuity of care is often interrupted, making follow-up and management of chronic conditions challenging.
As an advanced nurse in this locale, one can serve as an advocate for homeless individuals at the local, state, or national level. At the local level, an advanced nurse can collaborate with community organizations, such as homeless shelters or outreach programs, to provide education and resources on healthcare options. This may include facilitating access to primary care clinics, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment programs. Additionally, an advanced nurse can advocate for policies that address housing affordability and social determinants of health to improve the overall well-being of homeless individuals.
At the state level, an advanced nurse can join task forces or committees focused on homelessness and healthcare disparities. Through policy advocacy, an advanced nurse can highlight the unique healthcare needs of homeless individuals and advocate for increased funding for services tailored to this population. This may include supporting programs that provide targeted healthcare outreach, case management, and housing assistance.
At the national level, an advanced nurse can contribute to research efforts aimed at understanding the health needs of homeless populations and evaluating interventions to improve their health outcomes. By disseminating findings and participating in policy discussions, advanced nurses can influence national policies and resource allocation to better address the health challenges and vulnerabilities faced by homeless individuals.
Conclusion
Homeless individuals represent a vulnerable population facing numerous challenges in accessing healthcare services and achieving optimal health outcomes. Poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, and the lack of social support networks contribute to their vulnerability. Health practices and beliefs, such as reliance on emergency departments for primary care and engaging in high-risk behaviors, further increase their vulnerability. As advanced nurses, we can serve as advocates for this population at the local, state, and national levels by collaborating with community organizations, contributing to policy discussions, and conducting research to improve the healthcare and overall well-being of homeless individuals.