Posted: April 24th, 2025

Response to Guided Worksheet 3

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING POST OF A CLASSMATE IN 200 WORDS, Remember that your posts must be substantive and contribute to the dialogue that is taking place

Classmate’s Post:

Theoretical Model/Framework 

Problem: Some members of the community, people with disabilities who use wheelchairs, can’t use transportation because there is no bus station within 1 mile. When interviewed, they say that because of that they cannot keep their doctors’ appointments. It leads to exacerbations of chronic diseases and frequent hospitalizations.   

I chose the theory of Community Caring for Public Health Nursing (CCPHN) as framework for my project. The key goals of Community Caring for Public Health Nursing (CCPHN): 

• Enhance Community Health: Improve the overall health status of communities by addressing social determinants of health and promoting access to care. 
• Promote Health Equity: Reduce health disparities by ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.  
• Strengthen Community Engagement: Involve community members in the planning and implementation of health initiatives, ensuring that their voices and needs are prioritized. 
• Facilitate Collaboration: Build partnerships among healthcare providers, community organizations, and stakeholders to create a coordinated approach to public health. 
• Advocate for Policy Change: Influence local and state policies to support public health initiatives that benefit community health and access to care. 

How CCPHN will be used as a framework for my project: 

• Assessment of Needs: Nurses assess the specific barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, such as transportation access and mobility challenges. 
• Community Engagement: Involve community members in identifying transportation gaps and potential solutions, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration. 
• Advocacy for Services: Advocate for the development of accessible transportation options, such as paratransit services or community shuttle programs, to improve access to healthcare. 
• Education and Resources: Provide education on available resources, including local transportation services, ride-sharing programs, or volunteer driver networks that cater to individuals with disabilities. 
• Holistic Care Coordination: Coordinate care by connecting individuals with case managers or social workers who can assist in scheduling appointments and arranging transportation. 
• Health Promotion: Promote self-management and preventive care to help individuals understand the importance of attending appointments and managing their chronic conditions. 
• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and transportation services to create a network of support for individuals with disabilities. 

Organizational Setting 

According to CCPHN theory, community nurses work in various settings, including Community Health Centers (facilities providing comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations), Home Health Care (visiting patients in their homes to provide care, education, and support), and Public Health Departments (collaborating with local health agencies to implement community health initiatives and programs).  

Typical client: Individuals using wheelchairs who live in Hillsborough County.  

Community RNs can visit patients in their homes, offering assessments, education, and support without requiring them to travel. They also can implement mobile clinics that can bring healthcare services to those with mobility challenges, making access easier. Educational sessions can be provided in accessible locations or virtually. They can inform individuals about health resources and management.  

Speaking of permission required to work with this population, before providing care or education, nurses should obtain informed consent from the patient or their legal guardian, ensuring they understand the purpose and nature of the services. If the individual has caregivers or family members involved in their care, it’s important to involve them in the consent process and educational discussions.  

References  

Iwamoto S. (2023). Developing a Theory of Community Caring for Public Health Nursing. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(3), 349.

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030349Links to an external site.

St. Catherine University (April 15, 2021). What is a Community Health Nurse?

https://www.stkate.edu/academics/healthcare-degrees/community-health-nurseLinks to an external site.