As a family nurse practitioner practicing in rural Alabama, I am determined to reform, enrich, and serve Alabama’s Black Belt region. Without question, persistent health disparities stemmed by resident’s limited education, characterize Alabama’s Black Belt. This region, recognized for its rich soil and rolling plains, is also known for its scarce healthcare services, shattered spirits, and declining health. Often times, individuals or groups come to the area once or twice to encourage and comfort the needy. Frequently, groups donate gifts and leave with smiling faces and full hearts without truly touching the underlying issues of poverty, knowledge deficits, and access to healthcare. As a nurse practitioner working at a federally qualified
…show more content…
Generally, lack of funds or reliable transportation are key barriers among this population. For example, a 64-year-old African-American male presented to the clinic as a new patient with a complaint of a non-healing wound to the hand for several months. Upon my physical assessment and pertinent labs, he proved to be an uncontrolled diabetic with end-stage renal disease that ultimately resulted in intermittent dialysis. As a clinician, I was saddened that I could not intervene earlier and prevent this complication that disproportionately affects the African-American community. Ultimately, my goal is to practice preventative medicine, because I see the mental and physical strife chronic diseases impose on the patients and their …show more content…
So, I empower my patients to take charge of their health, which has greatly improved medication adherence and decreased disease-related complications. I also I utilize my strengths of determination, passion, integrity, innovation, and patience. I strive toward continuity of care with the implementation of an interdisciplinary team to ensure that we work together to determine the best outcome for patients. For instance, I develop a tailored treatment plan for a patient with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Then, I consult pharmacy to determine if the proposed idea is the most effective and limits adverse effects or complications. While working in an interdisciplinary team, I have learned the importance of accepting constructive criticism as a way for personal and professional growth. Now, I am able to lead more effectively and efficiently incorporate ideas and methods from other members of the team or staff. Consequently, I am confident that my experiences and strengths have prepared me to pursue my doctor of nursing practice degree since I am self-motived, disciplined, and passionate about learning which are fundamental qualities for success in an online setting. As a nurse practitioner student, majority of my curriculum was developed through an online platform. Therefore, I am excited that program is tailored towards clinicians that wish to continue working while pursuing a
Generally, lack of funds or reliable transportation are key barriers among this population. For example, a 64-year-old African-American male presented to the clinic as a new patient with a complaint of a non-healing wound to the hand for several months. Upon my physical assessment and pertinent labs, he proved to be an uncontrolled diabetic with end-stage renal disease that ultimately resulted in intermittent dialysis. As a clinician, I was saddened that I could not intervene earlier and prevent this complication that disproportionately affects the African-American community. Ultimately, my goal is to practice preventative medicine, because I see the mental and physical strife chronic diseases impose on the patients and their …show more content…
So, I empower my patients to take charge of their health, which has greatly improved medication adherence and decreased disease-related complications. I also I utilize my strengths of determination, passion, integrity, innovation, and patience. I strive toward continuity of care with the implementation of an interdisciplinary team to ensure that we work together to determine the best outcome for patients. For instance, I develop a tailored treatment plan for a patient with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Then, I consult pharmacy to determine if the proposed idea is the most effective and limits adverse effects or complications. While working in an interdisciplinary team, I have learned the importance of accepting constructive criticism as a way for personal and professional growth. Now, I am able to lead more effectively and efficiently incorporate ideas and methods from other members of the team or staff. Consequently, I am confident that my experiences and strengths have prepared me to pursue my doctor of nursing practice degree since I am self-motived, disciplined, and passionate about learning which are fundamental qualities for success in an online setting. As a nurse practitioner student, majority of my curriculum was developed through an online platform. Therefore, I am excited that program is tailored towards clinicians that wish to continue working while pursuing a