Role Of Community Health Nursing

Community Health Nursing role and Assessment of Phoenix Zip Code 85007

Healthcare in America is changing with increasing focus on health prevention and promotion of healthy living. The passing of Obama Care has renewed efforts within communities for education about disease related issues. The role of the Community Health Nurse (CHN) is defined as nursing care that is population-focused and community-oriented (Maurer & Smith, 2013). CHN’s center their nursing practice within the population selected and strive to meet the critical needs to the area. The Phoenix Zip code 85007 consist of a population in need of community health care and support. This community lives 44.5% below the poverty line with a median annual income of $27,200 per household.

The community consists of five schools; two elementary and three high school both public and charter schools. The oldest looking school within the community is Mary McLeod Bethune School consisting of broken down fences, dirt playground, and older looking buildings (www.googlemaps.com, 2016). The two elementary schools also house preschools for toddlers, Capitol Elementary and Mary McLeod School, with one additional day care, Star Bright Preschool located on a busy street within the community (www.googlemaps.com, 2016). Finally, for the older community member, Arizona State University has a downtown Phoenix campus within the neighboring zip code for those seeking continued education needs. The CHN can use these schools to host health fairs and immunization clinics for children as well as education about childhood safety; such as, seatbelt usage, car seats, bike helmets, and exercise and healthy eating

Zip code 85007 contains many of the State of Arizona Governmental offices; such as, Arizona State Government Library, Transportation Department, State Capitol, and State Land Department. Senior centers are located within the Maricopa Integrated Health system about 6 miles away. The biggest resource within 85007 is on the Human Services Campus. The Human Services Campus contains the Healthcare for the Homeless and coordinated services such as; Lodestar day resource, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Andre’ House, and St. Joseph the Worker (Maricopa Department of Public Health, 2009-2011). These coordinated services offer opportunities for the homeless population; employment, laundry, showers, shelter, phone access, supplies, and health care. The CHN can enlist the assistance of these agencies to provide education, vaccinations for homeless children and families, and health screenings of the