Community as Client: Applying the Nursing Process
The student nurses are preparing a presentation for the
community health rotation. It is critical for nurses and
student nurses to understanding the concept of the
community as client is a prerequisite for effective
service at every level of community nursing practice. A
major component of the presentation is to describe
a community needs assessment.
1. What are the characteristics of a healthy
community?
2. What is meant by the concept of community as
client?
3. What are the three dimensions of the community
as client?
Sample Solution
What are the characteristics of a healthy community?
A healthy community is one that is able to meet the physical, mental, and social needs of its residents. It is a place where people can live, work, and raise families in a safe and supportive environment. Some of the characteristics of a healthy community include:
- A strong sense of community: People in a healthy community feel connected to each other and to their surroundings. They have a sense of belonging and a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of the community.
- Adequate resources: A healthy community has the resources it needs to meet the needs of its residents. This includes things like affordable housing, quality healthcare, and educational opportunities.
- A safe environment: A healthy community is a safe place to live, work, and raise families. It is free from crime and violence, and it is a place where people feel safe and secure.
- Opportunities for civic engagement: A healthy community is a place where people feel empowered to participate in the decision-making process. They have opportunities to get involved in their community and to make a difference.
- A strong sense of well-being: A healthy community is a place where people feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled. They have a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, and they feel connected to their community.
2. What is meant by the concept of community as client?
The concept of community as client refers to the idea that the community, as a whole, is the client of the nurse. This means that the nurse’s focus is on the health of the community, not just on the health of individuals within the community.
The nurse working with the community as client will need to assess the needs of the community, identify resources that can be used to address those needs, and develop and implement interventions that will promote the health of the community.
3. What are the three dimensions of the community as client?
The three dimensions of the community as client are:
- The social dimension: This dimension refers to the social structure of the community, including things like the social networks, social norms, and social institutions that exist within the community.
- The physical dimension: This dimension refers to the physical environment of the community, including things like the built environment, the natural environment, and the availability of resources.
- The cultural dimension: This dimension refers to the culture of the community, including things like the beliefs, values, and customs that are shared by the people in the community.
By understanding these three dimensions, the nurse can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the needs of the community and develop interventions that are more likely to be successful.
Community Needs Assessment
A community needs assessment is a process of gathering information about the health status of a community and the resources that are available to address the needs of the community. The purpose of a community needs assessment is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the community and to develop a plan to improve the health of the community.
There are a variety of methods that can be used to conduct a community needs assessment. Some common methods include:
- Surveys: Surveys can be used to collect information about the health status of the community and the needs of the community.
- Focus groups: Focus groups can be used to gather in-depth information about the needs of the community.
- Key informant interviews: Key informant interviews can be used to gather information from people who are knowledgeable about the community, such as community leaders, healthcare providers, and educators.
Once the information has been gathered, it is analyzed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the community and to develop a plan to improve the health of the community. The plan should be based on the needs of the community and should be feasible to implement.
Conclusion
The concept of the community as client is an important one for nurses to understand. By understanding this concept, nurses can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the needs of the community and develop interventions that are more likely to be successful.