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A strategy for teaching BSN students social justice and health promotion with a vulnerable population: A foot clinic for homeless men
In response to a vulnerable population in a homeless shelter in one of the of the poorest American cities, Community Health Nursing Faculty designed a BSN Practicum experience to integrate Social Justice concepts with health promotion nursing skills in the community.
The 2014 Point in Time Count reports approximately 1600 homeless persons in Memphis, Tennessee on any given night. There are several common health concerns of the homeless, one of which is foot problems due to poorly fitting shoes, long-term walking, and exposure to heat, cold, and wetness for long periods of time. Students are oriented to foot care and needs of populations that are vulnerable and homeless. The focus of the foot clinic is health prevention and promotion highlighting primary and secondary levels of prevention while enhancing the student practice with relevant social justice practice opportunities. Student outcomes demonstrate knowledge and awareness of vulnerable populations, increased communication skills and the implementation of social justice practices within an academic-community collaborative partnership.
Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programsLearning Objectives:
Describe an innovative teaching and learning strategy implemented within a baccalaureate community health nursing practicum which integrates social justice concepts and health promotion nursing skills while caring for a vulnerable population group.
Keyword(s): Nursing Education, Social Justice
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Nursing care of homeless populations has been an area of interest in my practice since 1996. I have worked with a variety of homeless populations over the years. In 2010 I created and implemented the BSN practicum experience of a foot clinic as a means of teaching students and of serving a vulnerable population group in our community.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.