Poster Presentation
Thursday, 20 July 2006
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday, 20 July 2006
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Nursing Students Reaching Out to Florida's Underserved Population in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties
Diann Carr, MSN, Nursing, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Identify the nursing process utilized and implemented in the community projects to promote health and prevent illnesses. |
| Learning Objective #2: Identify Miami-Dade and Broward County community agencies and public schools helping the underserved. |
NURSING STUDENTS REACHING OUT TO FLORIDA'S UNDERSERVED POPULATION IN MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD COUNTY
BACKGROUND: A vast number of underserved individuals reside in Florida. Unfortunately they live in poverty conditions with inadequate amenities and limited assistance regarding health care. This is one of the most impoverished and most assailable groups that need health education and advocacy.
Students at a local university nursing school focused their attention on the underserved populations, in Miami-Dade County and Broward County. Based on their interest to contribute to the primary goal of Healthy People 2010, students developed a plan to promote health, prevent illness and alleviate health care disparities for the underserved population. They initiated partnerships with Miami-Dade and Broward County community agencies, public schools and performed community, cultural and needs assessments. A number of primary prevention programs focusing on biophysical, psychological, physical environmental, sociocultural, behavioral and health systems considerations were then developed.
METHODS AND PRACTICE: Research through literature review, community assessment, cultural assessment and needs assessment.
CONCLUSION: Through the active efforts of the nursing students the underserved population was provided with health care information regarding diabetes, hypertension, senior exercises, dental caries, proper handwashing and other topics through health fairs and classroom presentations. The underserved were empowered with information thus enabling them to be better prepared to access proper health care and use of community resources.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is paramount that nurses establish a relationship with the underserved populations. Encouraging these individuals to pursue assistance is tremendous challenge and one that must be taken. Establishing community partnerships, having students consistently present in the community does have a positive impact on the health of those who have no representation. Elimination of disparities is a goal that all nurses in the health profession should and must embrace.
See more of Poster Presentations II
See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)