NUR 513 Topic 3 DQ 1

NUR 513 Topic 3 DQ 1 Identify a population that you will likely serve as an advanced registered nurse that you think is particularly vulnerable to issues of health disparities/inequity. Discuss the contribution of your particular specialty to health promotion and disease prevention for this population. How do issues of diversity and global perspectives of care contribute to your understanding of health equity as it relates to this population? Racial and ethnic minorities, especially those with low incomes and limited English proficiency, experience multiple health care related disparities (DeNisco 2016). This vulnerable population experiences multiple barriers to health care, encounter lower access to, and availability of health care. According to the Institute of Medicine, this population group also demonstrates less favorable health outcomes (IOM, 2003). There is also evidence that stereotypes associated with this population influence providers’ beliefs about and expectations of patients. As an Advanced Registered Nurse working in the operating room, I will be able to impact the health promotion and disease prevention for the racial and ethnic minorities. Unaddressed cultural differences between the nurse and patient can result in difficulties in diagnosis and non-compliance on the part of the patient (DeNisco 2016). Cultural competence training has further supported that in order to treat the patient, you must consider the entire patient. The entire patient references the physical, mental, and cultural/ethnic pieces that play a part in their health. In the operating room, I am able to care for patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Through thorough patient interviews it can be discovered that the patient does not understand their disease process. As a CNL, providing education to the patient related to the disease process, post-operative care and follow-up care can be accomplished. Including the family and teach-back methods are most effective. Identifying barriers to access to care, the patients learning needs, and any needs for future care need to be discussed and arrangements made for any home services the patient may need. Issues of diversity and global perspectives of care contribute to the health equity as it relates to the racial and ethnic minorities. Health disparities are systematic, often times avoidable health differences that adversely affect this disadvantaged group. They may arise from intentional or unintentional discrimination, and are likely to reinforce the vulnerability of this population. For example, if all people should be treated equally and we practice medicine with cultural bias, we are discriminating our treatment. If two patients are in need of a kidney transplant, low economic status should not play a role in determination of transplant need. If the low economic status were to come into play, it would be to determine additional resources the patient would need to affect the best outcomes and limit complications post-operatively for the patient. This could include access to transportation, ability to pay for antibiotics, and home support for the recovery period. APRNs, like other medical professionals, should be guided by ethical and human rights values. There is still progress to be made to eliminate health disparities by race or socioeconomic status, but it is time to address health disparities as a commitment to achieving a more just society. References DeNisco, S. M., & Barker, A. M. (2016). Introduction to the Role of Advanced Practice Nursing. In Advanced Practice Nursing Essential Knowledge of the Profession (3rd ed., pp. 7-20). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Institute of Medicine. (2003). Patient safety: Achieving a new standard of care. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.