NURS 473 Nursing Community Interactions II
In this course I worked side by side with those who face many disparities when it comes to receiving healthcare. I worked With Dr. Lyndsey Torres at PIN Ministry in Virginia Beach, Virginia serving the less fortunate and unhoused who receive free healthcare through PIN Ministry. While at PIN I got to learn about how, due to many circumstances such as lack of housing, lack of transportation, lack of funds, lack of citizenship, and many other disparities all those who visit PIN are unable to receive proper healthcare. This includes receiving the medication that they need to treat their medical conditions, not being able to reach or schedule regular medical check ups, and not being able to receive help during an emergency. PIN Ministry provides entry level care to all those who cannot receive it elsewhere, has access to social workers who will help find jobs, housing, and medical for anyone who visits, and helps their patients receive the medications and test that they need. PIN ministry also feeds, clothes, showers, and provides activities for their patients to participate in throughout the day if they so wish. PIN Ministry is more than just an outreach program. It is truly a community. As patients come in for their appointments everyone knows each other by name form the staff to the patients. They have truly built a rapport with each other. For many it can be embarrassing to ask for help and to feel so vulnerable. At PIN Ministry this is never the case. The facility truly feels like home and those who visit are not just patients, but they are family. Even when they don’t have an appointment they like to come in and say high and just talk to the staff. While working there I have learned how important the connection you make with your patients truly is. When times are hard and they get a hard diagnosis or are scared to come in having a good connection makes all the difference. When you patient truly feels safe and trusts you it means they are more willing to seek the care that they need. Ultimately that is our goal. To provide care for those who need it the most. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to care for these patients and learn from Dr. Torres throughout my time at PIN. She has truly made me a better nurse and a better human.
Work Sample- see Community Health Nursing