Underserved Population Nursing

Minority and immigrant groups, pediatric population and women have limited access to healthcare. They are known as the underserved populations in healthcare field. It is a nurse’s duty to serve regardless of social, economic status or nature of health problems. Nurses should strive to help the underserved population on a personal, professional and national level. They must understand the reasons behind limited access to healthcare and try to eliminate those barriers. The case study showed how income and language barriers contributed to limited access to healthcare. Income is important when discussing the limited access to healthcare that the underserved populations face. In America, where one receives healthcare treatment depends on their
healthcare insurance. When a person does not have any or little income their choices of healthcare providers are limited. More than often people chose to seek care at free clinics, where their resources are limited and they cannot treat everyone. This is the case for Roma, she has fallen ill and goes to a free health clinic, from there it is suggested that she goes to the local hospital for further testing. Roma is afraid to do so, because of immigration laws, and family support. When the sole provider falls ill it can lead to additional issues, if Roma were to receive care from the local hospital they would find that she is an illegal immigrant. Furthermore, she would be charged for her visit, and lose out on money for her time spent in the hospital and time not at work. Like Roma, Maria is the sole provider for her family. She was diagnosed with HIV and is non-complaint with her medication because of the cost. Oftentimes she falls ill because of the lack of medication, which affect her capability to keep a job. Being jobless not only affects her health, it affects the healthcare access to her children. They are unable to attend school because they do not have their immunizations to be enrolled in school. The last case study focused on a pediatric patient, who is in organ failure because of non-compliance with medication. He admits that his non-compliance was due to choice and finical issues. His father work three jobs just to make ends meet, it is understandable why this child would not want to stress him father for more money to be compliant with his medication. His father does not speak English, so he does not understand why his son cannot receive another organ. Language could cause distrust in the medical system for this man, because there no to explain the importance of his son taking the medication and what could happen if he did not. The father could have made sure his son was complaint about taking his medicine if there was not a language barrier. It is important to remember these underserved populations when discussing healthcare on all levels. On a personal I would be supportive to their needs without judgment to their circumstances. I would strive to provide them with best service no matter their social, or economic status. In the case of Roma and Peter’s father, paying attention to the language barriers and offering them a translator instead of having their children translate for them. On a professional level I would advocate for the underserved population. Volunteering my services to those in need, offering information to the public to promote proper healthcare to underserved population. Understanding why they have limited access and trying to combat those issues. On a national level, we have to be supportive of underserved population by supporting the funding of free clinic. Free clinics served the majority of these populations, therefore funding is important.