NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Prof. Name

Date

Caring for Special Populations Teaching Presentation

Good day, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and today I will discuss the healthcare challenges faced by homeless or housing-insecure individuals. This presentation will also highlight culturally competent nursing strategies that can enhance health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Introduction to Housing-Insecure Individuals

Housing insecurity refers to the lack of stable, adequate, and affordable housing, leading to risks such as eviction, overcrowding, and homelessness. Those experiencing housing insecurity often reside in temporary shelters, motels, or with family and friends due to financial constraints. Many frequently relocate or endure unsafe conditions, exacerbating chronic stress and negative health outcomes.

People with disabilities, low-income families, and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, further intensifying socioeconomic disparities. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC, 2023), approximately 11 million households, or one in four individuals, out of 44.1 million renters in the United States struggle with housing affordability. Financial hardship places many individuals at risk of losing their homes or being unable to afford rent, increasing their vulnerability to poor health outcomes.

Healthcare Challenges for Housing-Insecure Individuals

Individuals facing housing insecurity often delay seeking medical care due to cost, lack of insurance, and transportation barriers. They are at higher risk for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases due to inadequate living conditions and limited access to nutritious food (Fitzpatrick & Willis, 2021). Additionally, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are common due to financial stress and housing instability.

The absence of stable housing contributes to poor medication adherence and frequent emergency department visits. Preventable hospitalizations and untreated medical conditions are widespread among this population. In 2019, the average cost of renting a home was $520 per month, but individuals with very low incomes could afford only $283 per month, creating a significant affordability gap (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2023). Addressing these healthcare disparities requires integrating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) into care models.

Community-based initiatives such as mobile health services, mental health counseling, and housing assistance can mitigate these challenges. Healthcare professionals should implement trauma-informed care to provide sensitive and effective treatment for housing-insecure individuals. Expanding Medicaid eligibility and strengthening social support networks can help bridge healthcare access gaps and improve outcomes (Willison et al., 2021).

Culturally Competent Nursing Care Strategies

Culturally competent nursing care is crucial for addressing the health needs of housing-insecure individuals. Many individuals in this group prioritize basic survival over medical care, leading to untreated chronic conditions and delayed treatment for acute illnesses. Mobile health clinics that bring services directly to shelters and community centers can reduce transportation barriers and improve access to preventive care (Rennert et al., 2024).

Housing-insecure individuals may distrust healthcare systems due to past negative experiences and perceived discrimination. As Hernandez et al. (2021) suggest, nurses should build trust through respectful, nonjudgmental communication and trauma-informed care. Cultural competence training enables providers to recognize and respect diverse backgrounds, improving patient engagement and treatment adherence.

Financial instability and lack of identification documents prevent many individuals from accessing medical services. Nurses can support patients by connecting them with social workers and community resources that provide low-cost or free healthcare. Partnerships with local food pantries and housing agencies can help address SDOH, promoting long-term well-being (Garcia et al., 2024). By integrating culturally responsive strategies, nurses can reduce healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for housing-insecure populations.

Table: Culturally Competent Nursing Care Strategies

Strategy	Description
Self-Reflection and Education	Nurses should recognize their biases and understand how cultural values influence health beliefs and behaviors.
Cultural Practices Recognition	Healthcare providers should acknowledge alternative medicine, dietary restrictions, and spiritual traditions.
Culturally Appropriate Communication	Use interpreters, avoid medical jargon, and incorporate visual aids to bridge language barriers.
Collective Decision-Making	Involve family members and community leaders in care planning to align treatment with patients’ values.
Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges	Offer flexible appointment scheduling and use mobile health services to improve accessibility.
Professional Development in Cultural Competence	Continuous education helps nurses navigate complex healthcare interactions and reduce disparities.

References

Anthonj, C., Mingoti Poague, K. I. H., Fleming, L., & Stanglow, S. (2024). Invisible struggles: WASH insecurity and implications of extreme weather among urban homeless in high-income countries – A systematic scoping review. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 255, 114285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114285

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. (2024). Street team. Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. https://www.bhchp.org/services/street-team/

Deering, M. (2024, May 3). Cultural competence in nursing. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/cultural-competence-in-nursing/

Fitzpatrick, K. M., & Willis, D. E. (2021). Homeless and hungry: Food insecurity in the land of plenty. Food Security, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01115-x

Garcia, C., Doran, K., & Kushel, M. (2024). Homelessness and health: Factors, evidence, innovations that work, and policy recommendations. Health Affairs, 43(2), 164–171. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01049

NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4

Hernandez, N. C., Leal, L. M. R., & Brito, M. J. M. (2021). Building culturally competent compassion in nurses caring for vulnerable populations. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(4), 089801012110627. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211062708

Miller, L. (2021). Statistics on veterans and substance abuse. Veteranaddiction.org. https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/veteran-statistics/

National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2023). A shortage of affordable homes. NLIHC. https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/gap/Gap-Report_2023.pdf

Rennert, L., Gezer, F., Jayawardena, I., Howard, K. A., Bennett, K. J., Litwin, A. H., & Sease, K. K. (2024). Mobile health clinics for distribution of vaccinations to underserved communities during health emergencies: A COVID-19 case study. Public Health in Practice, 8, 100550–100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100550

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Grants for the benefit of homeless individuals (GBHI). SAMHSA.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/communities/homelessness-programs-resources/grants/gbhi

The Queens Nursing Institute. (2022). Homeless and inclusion health nursing case studies raising awareness and understanding of homeless and inclusion health nursing and demonstrating the value of this specialist role. The Queens Nursing Institute. https://qni.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HIH-Case-Studies-2022.pdf

Willison, C. E., Lillvis, D., Mauri, A., & Singer, P. M. (2021). Technically accessible, practically ineligible: The effects of Medicaid expansion implementation on chronic homelessness. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 46(6). https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-9349142