Sociocultural Norms, Health, and Nursing

Topic 1: Vulnerable Populations

As you discovered in this week’s lectures and textbook readings, numerous vulnerable populations exist in the community.

• Identify three local organizations in your community that deliver healthcare services to vulnerable populations.
• Based on your research findings, answer the following:
  
  • Which population does each organization serve?
  • What services does it provide?
  • Where does it get its funding (local, state, or federal sources)?
  • Evaluate the relative value of each organization's services to individuals and families in the vulnerable population it serves.

Topic 2: Stigma Associated with Disease

Some vulnerable populations may have diseases, health impairments, and pregnancy that bring humiliation and predisposed judgment. Unfortunately, these health conditions can cause vulnerable populations to become ostracized by the general public.

• What ways would you choose to function as an advocate for vulnerable populations?
• Discuss the types of assistance you might provide to each of the following clients from a vulnerable population:
  
  • A 24-year-old pregnant woman who is currently homeless and unmarried
  • A 16-year-old girl who has run away from her foster home and who has an IV drug habit
  • An immigrant worker whose TB skin test just came back positive
  • An employed, married man who contracted Hepatitis B through a blood transfusion 30 years ago