Comprehensive Overview of Community Nursing Roles and Settings

What are some nursing roles within the community?

Home health, school nursing, occupational health, hospice, and correctional settings.

What is the primary focus of home health nurses?

The client and their family, aimed at restoring or maintaining health.

Who typically receives home health care?

Most clients are elderly, but they can be of any age.

What is a key requirement for a patient to qualify for home health care?

The patient must be homebound or leaving home requires significant effort.

What types of care can be provided in home health settings?

Skilled nursing care, assessments, teaching home hazard appraisal, and basic infection control.

What are the four types of home health care agencies?

Official (state or local government-owned), private and voluntary, proprietary (for profit), and hospital-based.

What is hospice care?

A branch of home health care that provides palliative care to the dying.

Where can hospice care be provided?

At home, in acute care hospitals, or in long-term care facilities.

What is the prognosis requirement for a patient to qualify for hospice care?

A diagnosis of a terminal illness with a prognosis of less than six months.

What is the primary goal of hospice care?

To ensure quality of life and dignity for the patient.

What types of support does hospice provide to families?

Counseling and support for up to a year after the death of the patient.

What is the cost structure for hospice care?

It is a government benefit and does not cost the patient anything.

What is an important aspect of hospice care regarding symptom management?

Hospice focuses on symptom management and comfort measures for the patient.

What must a patient provide to enter hospice care?

Informed consent and a physician's order.

How does hospice care address the needs of the family during the patient's end-of-life stage?

By providing support and counseling during and after the patient's death.

What is a common misconception about the timeline for hospice care?

Patients are not automatically discharged after six months; doctors can recertify eligibility.

What kind of assessments do home health nurses perform?

They conduct health assessments and evaluate home safety.

What role do therapists and respiratory nurse assistants play in home health care?

They provide specialized care and support to patients in their homes.

What is the significance of teaching basic infection control in home health care?

It helps prevent infections and promotes patient safety.

How do home health visits vary?

Visits are intermittent and depend on the needs of the patient.

What is the role of the nurse in teaching home hazard appraisal?

To identify and recommend modifications to make the home safer for the patient.

What is the importance of family involvement in home health care?

Family members are integral to the patient's care and recovery process.

What is the primary role of a school nurse?

To help students manage health-related barriers to education, such as chronic conditions like type one diabetes.

What services do school nurses provide?

They assess and educate students, treat emergencies, maintain health records, administer prescription medications, and conduct screenings.

What types of screenings do school nurses perform?

Vision and hearing screenings.

What is occupational health nursing?

A nursing specialty that provides health services to workers, including routine screenings, health promotion, injury prevention, and treatment of work-related injuries.

What role do occupational health nurses play in workplace safety?

They work with OSHA to ensure a safe environment and manage work-related health assessments and ergonomics.

What are some common work-related hazards that occupational health nurses address?

Biological hazards, chemical agents, ergonomic issues, extreme temperatures, noise, radiation, and psychosocial stress.

What is an example of a physical hazard in the workplace?

Working in extreme temperatures, such as very hot or very cold conditions.

What psychosocial risks do workers face in any work environment?

Stress and burnout.

What is the significance of ergonomics in occupational health nursing?

To ensure that the work environment meets the needs of workers and to prevent injuries related to repetitive tasks.

How do occupational health nurses respond to work-related injuries?

They assess the injury and determine if the worker needs to be referred to a hospital or if they can provide treatment on-site.

What type of health effects can chemical agents have on workers?

Reproductive health effects and other health issues.

What is a common injury associated with prolonged computer use?

Carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is a unique aspect of working as an occupational health nurse for a company like Tyson's?

Providing health services and screenings specifically for factory workers.

What challenges have school nurses faced since COVID-19?

Increased difficulty in accessing schools to provide nursing services.

What is the role of workman's compensation in occupational health nursing?

To assist in managing claims and ensuring workers receive the necessary care for work-related injuries.

What is a potential benefit of working in correctional settings as a nurse?

Providing healthcare services in a unique and often underserved environment.

How do extreme temperatures affect workers in certain jobs?

They can lead to health risks such as hypothermia in cold conditions or heat exhaustion in hot conditions.

What is the importance of health promotion in occupational health nursing?

To encourage healthy practices among workers and reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses.

What kind of education do occupational health nurses provide?

Education on safety practices, injury prevention, and health maintenance.

What can be a consequence of working in noisy environments?

Hearing loss or other auditory issues.

What is a common misconception about occupational health nursing?

That it is not a viable career choice or that it lacks variety.

What is the role of health assessments in occupational health nursing?

To evaluate the health status of workers and identify any potential health risks.

What is a common misconception about correctional facilities?

People often do not know what goes on behind the walls, but they are similar to other clinics.

What healthcare issues do inmates typically face?

Inmates may have sexually transmitted infections, substance use issues, mental illness, and both acute and chronic illnesses.

Why is correctional nursing considered a unique opportunity?

It allows nurses to provide healthcare to individuals who may not have had access to it before.

What is the role of nurses in correctional settings?

Nurses assess inmates, provide medications, and make referrals to hospitals if necessary.

What benefits are associated with working in correctional nursing?

The pay is good, the benefits are favorable, and the work is interesting and challenging.

How do correctional nurses contribute to inmate health education?

They educate inmates about their health, often providing healthcare for the first time.

What is the Health Service Unit (HSU) in correctional facilities?

The HSU is a free-standing clinic within the facility that employs a full staff of RNs, CNAs, and LPNs.

What opportunities exist for nurses in correctional facilities?

Nurses can cross-train in different areas, attend conferences, and share knowledge with colleagues.

What personal experience did the speaker share about their career in corrections?

The speaker started as an agency nurse in the Infirmary and progressed to a registered nurse position.

How do inmates typically respond to receiving healthcare in correctional facilities?

Many inmates express relief and gratitude for receiving care and education about their health.

What is a key motivation for pursuing a career in correctional nursing?

The desire to make a difference in the lives of others and help them cope with their health issues.

What is the significance of the nursing fair mentioned in the notes?

It provides networking opportunities and information about nursing positions, including those in correctional settings.

What is one challenge faced by correctional nurses?

Working in a challenging environment while providing care to a diverse population of inmates.

What is the importance of cross-training for nurses in correctional settings?

Cross-training allows nurses to work in various units, enhancing their skills and flexibility.

How do correctional nurses ensure continuity of care for inmates?

They provide routine assessments and medications, and refer inmates to external healthcare facilities when needed.

What is the overall message about correctional nursing shared by the speaker?

Correctional nursing is a rewarding career that allows nurses to make a significant impact on inmate health.

What kind of support do correctional nurses receive for professional development?

They are encouraged to attend conferences and bring back education to share with their colleagues.

What is a common reaction from inmates when they first enter a correctional healthcare setting?

Inmates often feel relieved and thankful for the healthcare they receive.

What does the speaker believe about the fit of correctional nursing for aspiring nurses?

The speaker believes that many will find correctional nursing to be a good fit for their career goals.

What is the significance of the phrase 'everybody deserves care' in the context of correctional nursing?

It emphasizes the belief that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, should receive healthcare.

What are some of the roles that nurses can take on in correctional facilities?

Nurses can work in infirmaries, health service units, and other specialized areas within the facility.

How does the speaker describe the work environment in correctional nursing?

The work environment is described as interesting, challenging, and rewarding.

What is the speaker's perspective on the importance of healthcare for inmates?

The speaker believes that providing healthcare to inmates is crucial, as many have never received it before.