NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4
Name
Capella university
NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care
Prof. Name
Date
Caring for Special Populations: Teaching Presentation
Good day, everyone. I hope you are all doing well. My name is [Name], and today, I will discuss the healthcare challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Additionally, I will explore strategies for delivering culturally competent nursing care to enhance health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Understanding Housing Insecurity and Its Health Impact
Housing insecurity refers to the lack of stable, adequate, and affordable housing, which heightens the risk of eviction, overcrowding, and homelessness. Many individuals experiencing housing insecurity live in temporary shelters, motels, or with family and friends due to financial hardship. Others may frequently relocate or endure unsafe living conditions, which leads to chronic stress and negative health outcomes (National Low Income Housing Coalition [NLIHC], 2023).
Certain groups, such as individuals with disabilities, low-income families, and marginalized communities, are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities. According to the NLIHC (2023), approximately 11 million households, or one in four renters, struggle with housing affordability in the United States. This financial hardship makes it difficult for these individuals to maintain stable housing.
Another significant challenge for individuals experiencing housing insecurity is the lack of access to healthcare. Many in this population delay medical care due to concerns about cost, lack of insurance, and transportation barriers. Additionally, poor living conditions and limited access to nutritious food contribute to chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases (Fitzpatrick & Willis, 2021). Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, are prevalent, often exacerbated by financial stress and instability. These individuals frequently struggle to adhere to medication regimens and often require emergency care for conditions that could have been prevented. Expanding access to community-based healthcare programs and social support networks is crucial to addressing these challenges (Willison et al., 2021).
Cultural Considerations in Nursing Care
Providing culturally competent nursing care requires understanding the specific challenges and health disparities faced by housing-insecure individuals. Many of those in this group prioritize basic survival needs over medical care, which results in untreated chronic conditions and delayed treatment for acute illnesses. Mobile health clinics, which deliver services directly to shelters and community centers, can improve healthcare access and reduce transportation barriers (Rennert et al., 2024).
A key issue for housing-insecure individuals is the low trust in the healthcare system, often due to past negative experiences and perceived discrimination. Hernandez et al. (2021) emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care and nonjudgmental communication to foster trust. Cultural competence training for healthcare providers can improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.
Financial instability and lack of identification documents can also prevent individuals from obtaining necessary healthcare services. Nurses play a vital role by connecting patients with social workers and community organizations that offer low-cost or free healthcare. Collaborations with food pantries, housing agencies, and other social services can address social determinants of health and help promote long-term well-being (Garcia et al., 2024). By integrating culturally responsive strategies, healthcare providers can help reduce disparities and improve patient outcomes.
Healthcare Disparities and Social Determinants of Health
Individuals experiencing housing insecurity face significant healthcare disparities due to financial instability, limited access to medical care, and social stigma. Many rely on emergency departments for treatable conditions, resulting in worsening chronic illnesses, higher hospitalization rates, and increased mortality risks (Garcia et al., 2024). Limited access to vaccinations and routine screenings further exacerbates susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Subgroups within the housing-insecure population face unique challenges. Families with children often struggle with pediatric care and disruptions in education, while elderly individuals find it difficult to manage chronic conditions without stable housing. Veterans are at heightened risk for mental health disorders and substance abuse, and LGBTQ+ youth often face homelessness due to family rejection, which increases their vulnerability to violence and exploitation (Miller, 2021).
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4
Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach. Mobile clinics can provide essential healthcare services directly in shelters and public spaces, thus reducing barriers to care. Trauma-informed nursing practices are critical for building trust and improving patient engagement. Social workers and housing programs play an essential role by connecting individuals with financial assistance and stable housing options. An excellent example of culturally competent healthcare is the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), which integrates medical, mental health, and substance use treatment within shelters and community spaces (Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 2024).
The impact of social determinants on homelessness is profound. Economic barriers such as unemployment, low wages, and the rising cost of housing contribute significantly to housing insecurity. Environmental factors, such as exposure to extreme weather and unsanitary living conditions, increase the risk of health problems like hypothermia, respiratory infections, and dehydration (Anthonj et al., 2024).
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4
Mental health concerns, often worsened by past trauma, further compound health disparities. Many housing-insecure individuals lack access to mental health services and may resort to substance use as a coping mechanism. Expanding Medicaid eligibility and implementing housing-first initiatives are vital steps in addressing these systemic issues. Policies should focus on decriminalizing homelessness, expanding low-barrier healthcare access, and investing in permanent supportive housing to improve long-term stability and health outcomes.
Table: Strategies for Culturally Competent Nursing Care
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-Reflection and Education | Nurses should recognize their biases and understand how cultural values influence health beliefs and behaviors. |
| Cultural Practices Recognition | Healthcare providers should acknowledge alternative medicine, dietary restrictions, and spiritual traditions. |
| Culturally Appropriate Communication | Use interpreters, avoid medical jargon, and incorporate visual aids to bridge language barriers. |
| Collective Decision-Making | Involve family members and community leaders in care planning to align treatment with patients’ values. |
| Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges | Offer flexible appointment scheduling and use mobile health services to improve accessibility. |
| Professional Development in Cultural Competence | Continuous education helps nurses navigate complex healthcare interactions and reduce disparities. |
References
Anthonj, C., Mingoti Poague, K. I. H., Fleming, L., & Stanglow, S. (2024). Invisible struggles: WASH insecurity and implications of extreme weather among urban homeless in high-income countries – A systematic scoping review. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 255, 114285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114285
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. (2024). Street team. https://www.bhchp.org/services/street-team/
Deering, M. (2024, May 3). Cultural competence in nursing. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/cultural-competence-in-nursing/
Fitzpatrick, K. M., & Willis, D. E. (2021). Homeless and hungry: Food insecurity in the land of plenty. Food Security, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01115-x
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4
Garcia, C., Doran, K., & Kushel, M. (2024). Homelessness and health: Factors, evidence, innovations that work, and policy recommendations. Health Affairs, 43(2), 164–171. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01049
Hernandez, N. C., Leal, L. M. R., & Brito, M. J. M. (2021). Building culturally competent compassion in nurses caring for vulnerable populations. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(4), 089801012110627. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211062708
Miller, L. (2021). Statistics on veterans and substance abuse. Veteranaddiction.org. https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/veteran-statistics/
National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2023). A shortage of affordable homes. https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/gap/Gap-Report_2023.pdf
Rennert, L., et al. (2024). Mobile health clinics for vaccinations to underserved communities. Public Health in Practice, 8, 100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100550
Willison, C. E., et al. (2021). Technically accessible, practically ineligible: Medicaid expansion and chronic homelessness. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 46(6). https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-9349142