Explain why it is important to appraise community resources (nonprofit, spiritual/religious, etc.) as part of a community assessment and why these resources are important in population health promotion
The Role of Community Health Nurses in Partnerships
Role of Community Health Nurses
The role of nurses in health promotion extends beyond care for individuals and their families. They play a critical role in the promotion of population health, which entails the overall wellness of communities. Effective population health promotion can be achieved through a partnership between community health nurses and community stakeholders. The nurses are tasked with several roles and responsibilities in such partnerships. One of the primary roles of community health nurses is the assessment of the needs of the communities and the populations. After the assessment, the nurses are tasked with proposing solutions to the community’s needs in partnership. Community health nurses are also responsible for planning and implementing health promotion strategies that can help improve the health outcomes for communities (World Health Organization, 2017). Community health nurses also ensure effective communication with different community stakeholders to promote the achievement of desired health outcomes for populations. They may use different strategies, such as education sessions and forums, to foster stakeholder involvement (Melo & Alves, 2019).
Importance of Appraisal Of Community Resources
Community health nurses are further responsible for assessing and evaluating community health promotion strategies. The assessment process involves appraising community resources. Community resources such as non-profit organizations and religious groups also play a critical role in public health promotion. Such resources help bridge disparities by promoting equal access to health resources and building stronger and more resilient communities. Community health nurses can also use community resources to improve health care for patients. Through the engagement of multiple stakeholders, the nurses get more access to the members of the community. The more people are reached, the greater the health outcomes. It is vital to appraise these community resources to ensure the promotion of public health. Appraising these resources can help identify the strengths and needs gaps that should be addressed to promote positive health outcomes. The appraisal can also help guide decision-making processes in the implementation of public health programs. It helps understand the concerns of different stakeholders and promotes more inclusive intervention strategies.
Influence of Geopolitical And Phenomenological Places
Geopolitical and phenomenological places have directly impacted public health outcomes and thus influence processes of community assessment and intervention. A geopolitical place is described by natural elements like boundaries, hills, and climate, while a phenomenological place refers to an area with people of similar interests, cultures, values, spiritual values, and goals (Grand Canyon University, 2018). A geopolitical space may influence community assessment since health needs tend to vary from one geographical area to another. It thus helps determine the areas where the assessment should include emphasis. Phenomenological place influences the choice of intervention strategies. It also influences the assessment process by directing the planning process based on available community resources. The geopolitical and phenomenological place thus helps community health nurses identify the community health needs and community resources that can support the desired health outcomes.
Utilization of the Nursing Process In Assessment And Intervention
Public health nurses are an instrument for identifying public health issues and planning appropriate interventions. The nursing process is utilized through the assessment of community needs and resources, planning and implementing interventions, and appraisal of the intervention outcomes. Assessment helps identify the community’s health needs and available resources, thus, better planning. Nurses can also promote policy development by educating and empowering community stakeholders and mobilizing community partnerships. Through the mobilization of community partnerships, community health nurses can align the intervention strategies with the community’s needs. The different inputs of public health nurses thus help achieve positive health outcomes for communities.
References
Dahl, B. M., & Clancy, A. (2015). Meanings of knowledge and identity in public health nursing in a time of transition: interpretations of public health nurses’ narratives. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 29(4), 679-687.