Develop a nursing intervention for community health goals (local or global in nature) using the nursing process to address any health issue. Select and describe one community resource that can aid in the implementation process of the intervention. Identify two ethical principles to protect the health and safety of diverse populations when implementing the proposed nursing intervention.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 3.1
Developing a Nursing Intervention for Community Health Goals: Addressing Obesity Using the Nursing Process
Obesity is a critical public health issue affecting both local and global populations. A nursing intervention to address obesity involves applying the nursing process—assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—to promote healthy lifestyles.
Assessment: The initial step is to assess the prevalence of obesity within the community by collecting data on body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, physical activity levels, and access to nutritious food. Community surveys, health screenings, and partnerships with local clinics can aid in this effort.
Diagnosis: Based on the findings, the nursing diagnosis might include “Imbalanced Nutrition: More than Body Requirements” related to unhealthy dietary patterns and lack of physical activity.
Planning: The plan includes creating educational workshops on nutrition, organizing community exercise programs, and collaborating with local stakeholders to improve access to affordable healthy food options. SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals are crucial for this step, such as reducing BMI by 5% among participants within six months.
Implementation: The intervention involves offering health education sessions at community centers, schools, and workplaces. Nurses can collaborate with resources like local food banks, such as Feeding America, to distribute healthy food options and provide education on meal preparation.
Evaluation: Progress is evaluated through follow-up health screenings, participant feedback, and achievement of predefined SMART goals. Adjustments are made based on outcomes and barriers encountered.
Community Resource: The YMCA is a valuable resource for implementing obesity interventions. It offers fitness programs, nutritional workshops, and youth activities that encourage physical activity and healthy living. Collaboration with the YMCA enhances community engagement and access to facilities that support behavior change.
Ethical Principles: Two key ethical principles guide the intervention:
- Justice: Ensuring equitable access to resources, programs, and education for all community members, especially marginalized or underserved populations.
- Nonmaleficence: Protecting individuals from harm by avoiding stigmatizing language, ensuring interventions are evidence-based, and respecting cultural dietary practices.
By applying the nursing process, leveraging community resources, and adhering to ethical principles, nurses can create impactful interventions that address obesity and promote long-term health improvements within diverse populations.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nurses Publishing.
World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int