Community Health: Narrative Self-Reflection
This summer of 2017, I had the pleasure of taking Community Health Nursing class at New York City College of Technology with professor Michelle Gellar. Our class was assigned to two clinical sites. On Wednesdays, the site was Our Lady of Refuge Church food pantry in Flatbush Brooklyn. On Thursdays, it was the Salvation Army soup kitchen in Parkslope Brooklyn. Below, I will describe how the nine required Community Health Nursing clinical objectives were met.
Objective 1: Demonstrates individual professionalism through personal behaviors and appearance.
I demonstrated individual professionalism through personal behaviors and appearance by reporting to the clinical sites punctually. I dressed business casual as instructed by professor. My clothing and lab coat was pressed, neat, and clean.
Client confidentiality was maintained in accordance with HIPPA regulations as I assessed and recorded each clientâs blood pressure. During pre-conference, I asked questions to clarify each task assigned, and also shared interesting incidences with the professor and classmates during post-conference.  Weekly blogs were posted in a timely fashion on blackboard, and I also responded/commented on the other clinical groupâs blogs, as they also shared and gave insight about their clinical experience.
Objective 2: Employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to individuals and families in the community setting.
Being culturally sensitive or competent is a very important aspect of providing adequate care. Sunset Park is predominantly made up of Hispanic and Chinese residents. Flatbush is predominantly Black West Indian. Each clientâs race and ethnicity was highly respected. When providing education on eating healthier foods, alternatives provided incorporated foods from the clientâs culture in order to build rapport and promote compliance. We monitored each clientâs blood pressure on a weekly basis, recorded it, and compared it to the prior readings, in order to evaluate their progress and compliance. Abnormal blood pressure readings were reported immediately to the professor and the Nurse Susanne. Principles of personal safety were utilized by adhering to the collegeâs and clinical facilities policies and procedures.
Objective 3: Effectively communicate with diverse groups and disciplines using a variety of strategies regarding the health needs of individuals and families in the community setting.
Communication is the essence of human life and is the key to successful relationships. When conveying information to clients, I used plain and simple language and avoided using medical terminology and jargon. I provided emotional support by lending a listening ear to those who were willing and open to discuss their problems, concerns, and issues. Eye contact was maintained, as I paid attention to the clientâs verbal and non-verbal cues. Appropriate language and behavior was also implemented when communicating with Professor Gellar, classmates, and staff at both clinical sites. Significant data such as elevated blood pressures were immediately reported to Professor Gellar.
Objective 4: Establish environment conducive to learning and use a plan for learners based on evidence-based practice.
The environment that my classmates and I established was definitely conducive o learning. We utilized every opportunity to educate clients as we interacted with them. We presented our project to the workers at the food pantry on how to read food labels and the importance of reading them. We demonstrated the amount of sugar and salt content in certain foods by pouring the amount of sugar and salt in bags and showing it to them. They were very astonished and amazed. We also translated words such as sodium, carbohydrates, and cholesterol by using plain language and giving examples. The project was successful as it was well received. They asked multiple questions and were engaged. We equipped the workers at the pantry with the knowledge of interpreting food labels, so that they may share it with clients and other members of the community. The workers were able to state healthier food alternatives and verbalized that they will wash the contents contained in canned foods to rid excess salt.
Objective 5: Utilize informational technology when managing individual and families in the community.
Although computerized documentation was not used at either clinical site, Internet research providing evidenced-based information regarding prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension was used to teach clients.
Confidentially was maintained at all times.
Objective 6: Demonstrate a commitment to professional development.
I demonstrated commitment to professional development by reading the textbook, power points, and nursing journals specific to community health. I am committed to life long leaning by completing this bachelors program in order to move on to completing masters in family nurse practitioner. The more knowledge I gain, the more Iâm able to impart to those who are in need. After each clinical experience, I reflect on what was accomplished, what wasnât accomplished, and how I can effectively serve the community.
Objective 7: Incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice.
I incorporated professional nursing standards by performing and completing tasks within my scope of nursing practice.  Nursing code of ethics was strictly followed as confidentiality was maintained and the clients right to refuse treatment was respected. The mission of the Salvation Army is, âThe Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discriminationâ.
Objective 8: Collaborate with clients, significant support and members of the health care team.
I collaborated with clients in helping them develop an effective regimen in complying with medications, exercising, and eating healthier. I advised those who verbalized their desire to quit smoking to attempt to smoke less cigarettes per day, until theyâre able to stop smoking altogether. Clients who had no insurance or whose blood pressures were elevated were referred to seek treatment at Lutheran Hospital and/its various clinics.
Objective 9: Â Recognize the impact of economic, political, social, and demographic forces that affect the delivery of health care services.
At both clinical sites, the majority of foods distributed were canned as opposed to being fresh and organic. The clients in both communities are unable to purchase fresh, organic, healthy foods as most are of low socioeconomic status. Another injustice observed was clients refusing to seek medical attention due to fear of being deported. Some will refuse medical treatment because they do not have health insurance or money to pay for the visit. Patient advocacy is the responsibility of each and every health care professional. I can act as a changing agent by joining professional organizations that advocate for the needs of clients and the community.
This clinical experience was great and humbling. There is so much that we take for granted. For instance, most of us will state that we have nothing to eat, simply because what we have, we donât want to eat.  Most of the clients we served donât have that choice; their only source of food is whatâs offered at the soup kitchen and food pantry.  I made a commitment that after completing this class, Iâll do what I can to be active in the community and serve those who are less fortunate.
