Discussion 6: Advocating for Social Justice

This course has presented the various roles of the public and community health nurse. The media presenters and the course textbook have covered this in depth. As you prepare for this final Discussion, consider what you have read and heard about the future of public health. Reflect on the readings, Web resources, and media presentations presented throughout this course about the role of the nurse in a community/public health setting and vulnerable populations. Then, respond to the following:
• What is the community health nurse’s role in advocating for social justice for vulnerable populations and in eliminating health disparities?

• How do you see community health care and the role of the community health nurse changing in the future?

References
Course Text:
Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2016). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community (9th ed.) Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier.

Chapter 32, “Vulnerability and Vulnerable Populations: An Overview”

Vulnerable populations include people who have a higher probability of illness and poor health care access. This overview captures perspectives on vulnerability, laws that affect these populations, factors in and outcomes of vulnerability, in addition to assessing, planning, and implementing care for vulnerable people.

Chapter 33, “Poverty and Homelessness”

This chapter describes the concepts of poverty and homelessness and various cultural attitudes surrounding them. It talks about the ways in which poverty and homelessness affect individuals throughout the life span and delves into intervention strategies for nurses.

Chapter 36, “Mental Health Issues”

This chapter focuses on the development and objectives of community mental health care, advocacy, and the role of the nurse as a clinician, educator, and coordinator of care.

Chapter 37, “Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Problems”

Chapter 37 analyzes the history, popular attitudes and myths, and definitions surrounding drug use. It describes the differences between major psychoactive drugs including depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens in addition to the nurse’s role in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for drug problems.

Articles

• Bloch, J. R. (2011). Using Geographical Information Systems to Explore Disparities in Preterm Birth Rates Among Foreign-born and U. S.-born Black Mothers. JOGNN: Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 40(5), 544-554. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01273.x

• Nomaguchi, K., & House, A. N. (2013). Racial-ethnic disparities in maternal parenting stress: the role of structural disadvantages and parenting values. Journal Of Health And Social Behavior, 54(3), 386-404. doi:10.1177/0022146513498511

• Kaiser, K., Cameron, K., Curry, G., & Stolley, M. (2013). Black Women’s Awareness of Breast Cancer Disparity and Perceptions of the Causes of Disparity. Journal Of Community Health, 38(4), 766-772. doi:10.1007/s10900-013-9677-x