The number of NP schools are 368, with a total of 56,496 students (AACN, 2015). The use of CNSs or NPs as APRNs in underserved populations to train APRNs and DNP students is prudent for nursing and stakeholders. The applicability of a population-specific advanced practice role can provide additional provider coverage in rural communities. The rural community of Bemidji Minnesota has an investment in promoting healthy living. Currently, a new 40-unit apartment complex housing homeless individuals in 2 bed units for short-term (90 days) while seeking care for mental health and substance abuse issues is being built. The complex will house a part-time nurse; however, the family homeless shelter does not have access to the nurse for the children. Families with children have needs still not addressed by the …show more content…
The services offered by the APRN in a family homeless shelter is still free, however the services reduce the burden of emergency room visits. If the program is successful, expansion of the available APRNs to offer services to the family homeless shelter will need to grow.
In addition, vigilance to monitor federal grant websites related to family care nursing will continue. Grants focused on physical health of the homeless family, particularly children, need expansion. Federal funding is shifting to rural populations, recognizing the barriers in rural health care. Current grants focus on specific chronic conditions, often found in homeless populations but not on the generally healthy family burdened by homelessness. This creates a cycle further marginalizing the family unit because it is too healthy for special grants but unable to attain basic health care needs.
Recommendations for family homeless