...Vulnerable Populations in the Workplace Jennifer Hudson NUR/440 October 15, 2012 Deborah Nallo Vulnerable Populations in the Workplace Change is a constant in the workplace. Policies are written and revised based on the situational needs of the organization and the workforce. A health care setting is unique in that it not only bases policies, reforms, and values on organizational needs and employee needs but also the needs of the very important clients, the patients. Guidelines exist to protect the safety and health of the patients and employees; they also exist to prevent injury, abuse, and to maintain costs and budget. However, change within an organization does not always have to happen at a senior level. An employee can recognize a need and set a course to raise awareness of this need with his colleagues and managers. According to Wells, Manual, & Cunning (2011, p. 784), “the ability to implement change requires the engagement of nursing staff and support in order to positively affect nursing outcomes.” Nurses are capable of identifying patient barriers to receiving quality care. Awareness of inequalities and barriers in a health care setting is important to reduce the incidence of disparity and create positive change for the patients and employees. Disparity is a term used to “reflect differences in health care and outcomes among many groups” (De Chesnay & Anderson, 2012, p. 520). A vulnerable population is a group that has a higher risk of experiencing...
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...Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Back in 1999 the U.S. Health Department set a goal to, “eliminate disparities in health and in access to service for minorities,” for Healthy People 2010 (Crist, 2002). 2010 has come and gone, and although there have been improvements that goal continues to be in place for Healthy People 2020. Some vulnerable populations are still at risk and face many barriers preventing them access to proper healthcare. Attempting to overcome these barriers will often fall on the shoulders of healthcare providers; it becomes their job to help decrease the overall health disparity suffered by vulnerable populations. In this paper the subject to discuss is the vulnerable Mexican American population and will evaluate barriers faced by them as well as barriers faced by healthcare workers, and the methods that could be used in order to help decrease current health disparities. Mexican-Americans: A Population at Risk Mexican-Americans, especially aging Mexican-Americans are an extremely vulnerable population. Currently, Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic population in the United States and as of the 2003 U.S. Census, their population, “grew at a rate almost fourfold that of the general population—13% vs. 3.3%--over a 39 month period” (Keating, et al. 2009). That being said, non-English-speaking immigrants are often socially and economically disadvantaged, which impacts health disparities (Keating, et al. 2009). Barriers to Care There are many...
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...area. According to Hispanics Now Largest Group in Escondido, Hispanics account for 46% of the population in Escondido, California (Jones & Lee, 2010). These statistics do not differentiate between illegal and legal residents. Therefore the majority of patients at Palomar Medical Center are Hispanic. Even though the majority of our patients are Hispanic this does not equal an easier rode to healthcare recovery for this vulnerable group. The Hispanic population in the Unites States is a major vulnerable class relating to healthcare access and treatment. They are faced daily with health disparities and need time, education, and encouragement for their path to wellness. According to U.S. Census Bureau as of July 2011 there are roughly 52 million Hispanics living in the United States. This makes people of Hispanic origin the nations largest ethnic or race minority. The definition of Hispanic or Latino is “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish Culture or origin (Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, 2012). Among Hispanic subgroups Mexicans ranked the largest at 63% in 2010. The percentage of Hispanics who lacked health insurance in the U.S. was 30.7%. By the year 2050 there is an estimation of 132.8 million Hispanics in the Unites States constituting 30% of its population. As of July 2011 California has the largest Hispanic population at 14.4 million people. During 2004-2007 the rate of preventable hospitalizations was higher...
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...Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Basic information about HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic/index.html. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is another excellent resource for disease conditions and their treatment. The information provided on HIV and AIDS is well written and very informational for the public and healthcare provider alike. The ease of use is important and appreciated. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, December 2). Vital Signs: HIV prevention through care and treatment. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60 (47),1618-1623. This comprehensive journal article reviews recent HIV testing and prevalence patterns among the U.S. population. The importance of the care continuum for HIV-positive patients is discussed; from prevention and testing, to diagnosis and treatment. Strategies for viral suppression among those infected are also reviewed. The article presents a very thorough overview with an especially useful public health focus on prevention strategies for the future. Chitty, K. K. & Black, B. P. (2011). Professional nursing: Concepts and challenges (6th ed). Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection Database. This textbook provides information on challenges that nurses encounters. It also provides...
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...Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Noy-Starra Edge Nur/440 May 7, 2012 Mrs. Mendez Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Long term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), give extended medical, rehabilitative, and intensive care to individuals with clinically complex problems that need hospital level care for greater than 25 days (American Hospital Association, 2012). Many LTACH admissions are elderly patients, which is a vulnerable population. “Elderly and aged patients are considered to be capable and competent, they should be treated as a vulnerable group of patients, who may need additional care and protection of their interests because of their possible incapability to realize their rights themselves (Pishchita, 2007, p.350). Most LTACH take Medicare and Medicaid payments and all take private insurance. The government provides insurance for low-income seniors and younger persons with disabilities that are govern by the state of the individual. According to Caring for Vulnerable Populations (2011), these persons are among the sickest and poorest individuals making them rely on dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid government programs for necessary services. “55% of this population has an annual income below $10,000 and sixty million Americans currently obtain coverage through state-based Medicaid programs. These individuals come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and pose unique care coordination challenges. They disproportionately face chronic diseases and challenges...
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...Vulnerable People in the Workplace Vulnerable People in the Workplace Paper Watson is a Nursing theorist who recognizes nursing as the art of caring and the need to treat each patient holistically (Watson, 2007). Leininger is another Nursing theorist who realized caring is unique and the core of nursing. According to Leininger’s Cultural Care Theory as cited by Maier-Lorentz (2008), on Transcultural Nursing, nurses need to be aware of various cultures and how to use this knowledge in their daily practice (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). Leininger’s Cultural Care Theory addresses the need for cultural competency in health care. Communication with a patient can be affected by a patient’s culture. In addition, nurses need to avoid ethnocentric bias. In an effort to achieve a holistic approach to health care one must have an understanding of cultural factors that may affect proposed health care interventions. Leininger’s Cultural Care Theory can be hardwired with Watson’s Theory of Human Care to help achieve holistic care of the patient (Leininger & McFarland, 2002). In this paper I will discuss the design of a teaching program at my workplace to help raise awareness about vulnerable populations. According to De Chesney and Anderson (2008), issues with vulnerability can apply to population groups or individual people. De Chesney and Anderson (2008) discuss vulnerable populations that are at higher risk for health issues related to socioeconomic status, cultural issues, or environmental...
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...Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Theresa Didion University of Phoenix The burden of mental illness in the United States is among the highest of all diseases, and mental disorders are among the most common causes of disability. The first goal of this paper is the examination of the vulnerable population of the mentally ill. Second, this paper will review the goals and agenda of Healthy People 2020 as it applies to mental illness. Third, this paper will review my work place assessment for barriers for the care and treatment of mentally ill patients. Finally, this paper will review a short presentation I gave to co-workers in an effort to aid in better treatment for the mentally ill. Recent figures suggest that in 2004, approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States had had a mental health disorder in the past year, most commonly anxiety or depression ("Healthy People 2020 ", n.d.).. It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S. adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health ("Healthy People 2020 ", n.d.). An estimated 26% of Americans age 18 and older are living with a mental health disorder in any given year, and 46% will have a mental health disorder over the course of their lifetime ("Healthy People 2020 ", n.d.). Mental health disorders often have a serious impact on physical health and are associated with the prevalence, progression, and outcome of some of today’s most pressing chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Mental...
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...ways to create culturally appropriate and effective health care policies. These policies will lead to culturally sensitive care provided to patients. The diversity within the world’s population is changing hastily and impacting health care globally. Although, many organizations have provided their definitions of cultural competence regarding health care, all organizations, health care providers, and patients have their own vision of what cultural competency entails. It is important that all providers use their individual understanding of the term to analyze ways to meet the standards of nursing care. With standards in place, organizations can develop tools which measure individual patient needs as well as measuring the effectiveness of the organization’s culturally diverse practices. As populations become more diverse, it is imperative that the gap in disparities of health care be closed. To ensure these differences are addressed, health care providers and patients must discuss the concerns without cultural differences hindering the discussion (What is Cultural Competency, n.d.). All categories and specialties within the health care profession must overcome the challenges presented to them regarding the changing diversity of the populations that they serve. In the home health workplace, nurses have to be knowledgeable and cognizant of cultural diversities in order to provide the most efficient care possible. Culturally competent care in my home health organization is...
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...Vulnerability for Haitian Population to Access Healthcare in South Florida A M NUR/440 December 9, 2013 Vulnerability for Haitian Population to Access Healthcare in South Florida The purpose of this paper is to project the experience on the presented material to a group of co-workers in regards to bringing awareness to the Haitian community and healthcare issues they face. In reference to the brochure presented, it explained cultural variables between American and Haitian beliefs and religion as well as communication barriers and reasons behind it. The brochure also demonstrated why culture is put on such high value for the Haitian community and what disparities might they face with incompetent healthcare workers towards some of the issues faced and why it would be considered vulnerable. Data collected towards the outcome of the presentation as well as understanding of why this would be a barrier to healthcare was well received within the workplace. Concept of Vulnerability in Haitians “As a triple minority, Haitians face challenges as racial and ethnic minorities, as immigrants, and as individuals who experience poverty at disproportionate levels” (Belizaire & Fuertes, 2011, p. 95). Haiti is considered one of the poorest countries in the world according to Florida Times Union, (2010). Due to the earthquake in 2010, Haiti has lost majority of its economy and potential of growth, hence increasing the immigration of Haitians to South Florida. As healthcare providers...
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...Vulnerable population in the workplace: Diabetics and the homeless Amanda Otten NUR 4800 March 29, 2015 Deanna Radford Vulnerable population in the workplace: Diabetics and the homeless Homelessness is closely associated with poor health, working in a government run facility we encounter multiple patients with this socioeconomic status. Working with the homeless population presents challenges that alone could be managed if in a more stable environment. Diabetes becomes difficult to manage when a patient has no means to handle such a complicated disease. Along with common barriers the homeless deal with stereotypes and prejudice when trying to seek out help for their health care management. Workplace Experience Being one of the major government hospital in Phoenix the majority of our clients are homeless or live below the poverty level, but this does not exclude our patients from having stereotypes placed on them and maybe even accelerates it. When asked many coworkers stated they felt many homeless returning patients with diabetes were “non-compliant and had no interest in maintain a healthy life style.” There have been multiple occurrences when I have overheard fellow nurses question the reasoning for admitting a sick homeless patients when “they don’t care, it’s just a waste of our time.” Even while conducting research, I myself have asked this very same question and came to moments of understanding. We all understand being...
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...Childhood Obesity In the Workplace Vulnerable populations are those at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health. Anyone can be vulnerable at any given point in time as a result of life circumstances or response to illness or events (De Chesney, M., & Anderson, B. A., 2008). A vulnerable population recently identified and being a focus on in my workplace is childhood obesity. Several of this adolescent is presented to our hospital with an acute illness as well as obesity as a co-existing condition. This paper will be explaining the action plans, which nurses and or any other health care workers can help and educate these adolescent and their family on healthy life style during their hospital stay. Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or wellbeing. Due to the rising prevalence of obesity in children and its many adverse health effects it is being recognized as a serious public health concern. The term overweight rather than obese is often used in children as it is less stigmatizing. The mixture of diet along with sedentary lifestyles is creating a generation of children who are facing adult health issues. Changing the trend in the rate of child obesity in America is not difficult as long as parents are willing to accept their responsibility for teaching their children healthy lifestyles (Mayo clinic 2011). There are various ways one can diagnose childhood obesity. As part of regular well-child care...
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...Foundations Paper Holly Regan HSM/260 May 9, 2014 Greg O'Donnell Foundations Paper The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation was established in 1972 with a mission that focused on making basic healthcare available and affordable to everyone. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is this nation’s largest health care related charitable organization with clear objectives which are directly focused on only health care issues and ways to transform and improve the overall health of every American. This foundation supports Universities, public agencies and charities which fall under the tax exempt sec. 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code . The type of projects the foundation supports are related to higher education, hospitals and institutes specific to certain research. The foundation gives support by giving out around 1,000 grants annually that range in total from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. The foundation provides a list of all the grants which applicants can apply on an annual basis. The applicants can also apply for multiple grants at one time, but only if they are specific to separate and entirely different projects. The amount of time you must wait before getting any word on a grant being awarded could be as long as four to seven months. Clinical Scholars is one of the most successful of the foundations programs. The program provides young physicians an opportunity to study non-clinical topics such as management or economics. This program gives each...
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...contextually specific and linked to demographic and socio-political features of the population and the workforce. Diversity is a selective concept in that some, but not all physical characteristics are incorporated into Managing Diversity programs (Moore 1999). Diversity also has invisible and hidden aspects that include culture and attitudes (Moore 1999). Managing Diversity programs in general mimic or reflect legislative programs that prohibit discrimination and encourage Equal Employment Opportunities within the workplace, and hence many Managing Diversity programs support such groups as women, ethnic minorities, older workers and people with a disability. There is a tension between diversity as a factor that generates forms of exclusion and inferior material outcomes in the labour market, and diversity as a factor that can be harnessed towards improving organisational performance. While diversity is embedded in worker difference and notions of equality and justice, the broader equity goals linked to Managing Diversity are not necessarily the terms by which Managing Diversity programs are assessed within the organisation. The Moral case has often been expressed in terms of Equal Opportunities, which has found manifestation in various pieces of legislation; the business case, instead, is often referred to in terms of managing diversity. However, it is hard to fully separate managing diversity in the workplace from the provision of equal employment opportunities, as legislation shapes...
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...Within our society there a many different groups of individuals, although everyone is at risk of abuse and maltreatment, some groups need more safeguarding than others. Vulnerable groups are at higher risk. A vulnerable adult is described as an individual who is aged 18 or over, who is in need of care and support form care services, who is experiencing, or is at risk of significant abuse or neglect and who is unable to protect themselves against harm or exploitation. There are a number of vulnerable groups within society which are: the frail and elderly, the less abled and individuals with mental health problems or learning difficulties, visual or hearing impairments or with some form of disease. It is important that the promotion of safeguarding adults is carried out by health care professionals. Safeguarding adults involves protecting individuals at risk of harm. Society today is very diverse, within Britain there are many different races and individuals of different nationalities. These groups of individuals, along with vulnerable adults can be seen as at higher risk of discrimination. Therefore, there are a number of existing legislations set out to protect certain groups of individuals. According to the dictionary of Cambridge legislation is “a law or set of laws suggested by a government and made official by a parliament”. It is the system of rules which a particular country or community recognises as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the...
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...WORKFORCE New international division of labor Main article: New international division of labour The global workforce, or international labor pool, reflects a new international division of labor that has been emerging since the late 1970s in the wake of other forces of globalization. The global economic factors driving the rise of multinational corporations—namely, cross-border movement of goods, services, technology and capital—are changing ways of thinking about labor and the structure of today's workforce. With roots in the social processes surrounding the shift to standardization and industrialization, post-industrial society in the Western world has been accompanied by industrialization in other parts of the world, particularly in Asia. As industrialization takes hold worldwide and more cultures move away from traditional practices in respect to work and labor, the ways in which employers think about and utilize labor are changing. Labor supply Main article: Labor force The global supply of labor almost doubled in absolute numbers between the 1980s and early 2000s, with half of that growth coming from Asia.[3] At the same time, the rate at which new workers entered the workforce in the Western world began to decline. The growing pool of global labor is accessed by employers in more advanced economies through various methods, including imports of goods, offshoring of production, and immigration.[4] Global labor arbitrage, the practice of accessing the lowest-cost workers from...
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