Community Health Project Part II
Introduction
Healthy People – Community Health Project – Part II
NURS 492 – Community Health Nursing
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Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of the project is to examine a community health problem for a specific aggregate. The project is to be able to apply the nursing process to a vulnerable population with in your community. In addition, the purpose of the assignment is to utilize the Health Planning Model to improve aggregate health and to apply the nursing process to the larger aggregate within a systems framework.
Approach to Assignment
As mentioned in the initial phases of the first part of this project, extensive research was completed to identify an aggregate population and a community-based intervention. I selected the aggregate population individual’s 18 years and older suffering with substance use disorders (SUDs). I was involvement with this vulnerable population through my work at Boxwood Recovery Center, detox unit and my volunteer work the 12-step recovery fellowship in the community Alcoholics Anonymous.
Reason for Inclusion
Much like my reasoning for the first part, substance use disorder has impacted our entire nation. Most people in the community knows or is involved with someone who has been affected by substance use disorder. More than 75% of this nation’s population can be diagnosed with substance use disorders, weather it be opioid or alcohol. The identified barriers and the approach to treatment alternatives can be implanted in any community in which substance use disorders exist.
Critical Thinking
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Engages in creative problem solving.
This project gave me an opportunity to examine the community in which I lived then address how to approach the aggregate population to assist them with improving there well-being. I was required to use critical thinking and creative problem solving to address the needs of the population within the community in a productive and successful way. I was able to improve outcomes and influence the community by being involved and invested in their well-being.
Nursing Practice
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Performs therapeutic interventions that incorporate principles of quality management and proper safety techniques.
By identifying primary, secondary and tertiary approaches to substance use disorders I was able to use therapeutic interventions to address substance use disorders at the high school level, the general community level, and the healthcare professional level use information from the Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition) (2018) published by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Communication
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Demonstrates skills in nursing technology, informatics, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice.
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In the second part of this assignment I created a you-tube video. I created a verbal presentation combined with a power point slide show on the topic of substance use disorder within the community. I identified a primary, secondary and tertiary response to the aggregate population in the community. I addressed the barriers within the community to the treatment of substance use disorders and suggestions to make progress toward improved outcomes for the aggregate.
Teaching
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Uses informatics to enhance one’s own knowledge base to support teaching.
Through my extensive literature research, and numerous databases to collect information for completion of this project I increased my overall knowledge concerning the aggregate population within the community, the health care concerns related to substance use disorders, and the statistical definition of Culpeper Virginia and the surrounding counties. The combination of both parts to this community health project gave me an opportunity for growth of my nursing knowledge and practice through all eight core nursing competencies.
Research
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Applies research-based knowledge from nursing as the basis for culturally sensitive practice.
In my research for information related to Culpeper County, the aggregate population within the community and the diagnoses of substance use disorder I used numerous databases. Through the discovery of evidence-based literature related to substance use disorder I was able to create a nursing plan of care that would be practical within a culturally diverse community and applied that nursing knowledge to improve outcomes for the aggregate population suffering from substance use disorder on three levels within the county and surrounding areas.
Leadership
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Delegates and supervises the nursing care given by others while retaining accountability for the quality of care provided.
During this community health project, I was able to coordinate care provided to the aggregate population at the Boxwood Recovery Center facility through the volunteer 12-step fellowship group. I was responsible for establishing a standard of care within the detox unit which provided evidence-based practice through the work that was completed during this assignment and then implement it on the unit. During the evening hours the clients where invited to 12-step recovery groups, and provided videos based on recovery principles. This was not being accomplished prior to the advent of this community health project. Also, I suggested a regular monthly meeting within the 12-step recovery group which they have adopted and continue to have the first Monday of every mouth.
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Professionalism
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Demonstrates accountability for one’s own professional practice as well as limits to one’s own scope of practice.
During this community health project, I requested the implementation of an evidence-based standard within the detox unit from the Director of Nursing (DON). It was established within policy and procedures but not being applied to the aggregate population within the recovery facility daily. Each nurse directed care within their staff not following any given standard for the aggregate population. The DON did start requiring nursing staff to apply evidence-based standards of practice. Some staff members did demonstrate some push back due to increased time spent with the clients. I became an example of professional nursing practice during the application of evidence-based practice within the detox unit and within the community aggregate population.
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Culture
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Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race, religion, gender, lifestyle, and age.
Substance use disorder can affect anyone or everyone within the population. There are no boundaries with this disorder. People from all walks of life no matter what culture, race, religion, gender, economic class, or age can be impacted by substance use disorder. While working on this project and within the community I learned how to listen to the aggregate population communicate their needs and attempted to meet them at that point.