NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey

NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey

NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey

NR443/435/436: Community Windshield Survey Form

Directions: Please refer to the Community Windshield Survey Guidelines and the grading rubric in your NR443/435/436 course for specific instructions. Complete the form below using your observations. This form is mandatory for submission.

Begin by driving through the community where you reside or work multiple times. Record your observations to complete the following tables.

Name:
Date: March 16, 2018

1. Community Description

  • Name of city or town and state: Bronx, NY
  • Name of street or road in this community: Eastchester Road
  • Nature of the community (rural, suburban, urban): Urban
  • Brief description of the community:
    The community I work in is urban, busy, and noisy. It is surrounded by healthcare offices, hospitals, supermarkets, fast food outlets, and schools. The area is always crowded, with people constantly moving about. The community is accessible due to nearby bus stops and a train station.

2. Community Vitality

QuestionManySomeFew or None
Did the people you observe appear healthy?  
Did you see people with obvious physical disabilities?  
Did you observe individuals with apparent mental disabilities?  
Did you observe people smoking?  
Did you observe individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol?  
Did you see pregnant women?  
Did you see pregnant adolescents?  
Did you see young people with strollers or children? 

Observations:

  • Approximate age range: Youngest: Infants, Oldest: 70–80 years
  • General appearance: The community members varied in size, with most people ranging from overweight to obese.
  • Dress style: Most individuals appeared well-dressed for work, with some in medical scrubs due to the nearby hospitals and offices. Others were appropriately dressed for cold weather.
  • Activity observed: Many people were walking to get food during their lunch break, with some walking in groups, while others waited at bus stops. Heavy traffic with drivers honking was also observed.

3. Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions

QuestionManySomeFew or None
Did you observe rundown or dilapidated housing?  
Were any areas undergoing renewal?  
Was public housing observed?  
Was public transit observed?  
Were bus stops present?  
Was transportation to healthcare resources observed?  
Were job opportunities visible, such as small businesses?  
Were homeless people visible?  
Did you see people congregating on the streets?  

Observations:

  • Housing types: A mix of apartment buildings, some of which are luxury apartments occupied by nearby healthcare professionals.
  • Housing condition: The buildings are well-maintained, lawns are kept, and streets are clean.
  • Forms of transportation: Cars, buses, trains, and cabs were visible, with one individual seen riding a bike.
  • Job availability: Primarily healthcare and fast food employment opportunities.
  • Schools and daycares: An elementary school and a college were observed; no daycare centers were noted.

4. Health Resources

Health ResourceNumber ObservedHealth ResourceNumber Observed
Hospitals2Urgent Care Clinics2
Community Clinics20+Skilled Nursing Facilities1
Family Planning Clinics2Mental Health or Counseling Clinics1
Generalist Doctors5Homeless or Abuse Shelters0
Dentist Offices2Public Health Department Office0
Pharmacies2Substance Abuse Treatment Center1

Observations:

  • Availability of resources: The community has an abundance of healthcare facilities, making it unnecessary for residents to travel far for services. Resources seem adequate to address most community health needs.
QuestionManySomeFew or None
Evidence of pollutants (air, water, ground)?  
Poor road conditions, potholes, or poor drainage?  
Adequate traffic lights, signs, sidewalks, and curbs?  
Well-lit streets and parking lots?  
Handicapped access to buildings, sidewalks, and streets? 

6. Social Functioning

QuestionManySomeFew or None
Group efforts to improve living conditions?  
Observed churches, synagogues, or other worship places?  

Observations:

  • Places of worship: There were no places of worship in the immediate area, but a church in the next community is accessible.
  • Interactions: People were friendly, walking and talking, mainly in their 20s to 50s.
  • Children: None observed playing.
  • Subgroups: The area was ethnically diverse, with a large Hispanic presence.

7. Attitudes Toward Health and Healthcare

QuestionManySomeFew or None
Evidence of alternative medicine or herbal shops?  
Underutilization of health resources?  
Evidence of preventive or wellness care? 

8. Aggregates or Vulnerable Populations Observed

  • Vulnerable populations observed: Infants and children, pregnant women or adolescents, adolescents, seniors, disadvantaged ethnic groups.
  • Detailed observation: A young Hispanic woman, approximately 20–25 years old, pushing a stroller with a toddler, appeared well-dressed and healthy. Both mother and child seemed happy and in good spirits.

9. Health Problems and Behaviors Observed

  • Positive health behaviors: A man was seen riding a bike, which is good for both exercise and the environment.
  • Unhealthy behaviors: Many individuals were observed smoking, including healthcare workers.
  • Health issues: Obesity seemed prevalent in the community, likely influenced by the availability of fast food restaurants.

10. Health Problem and Healthy People (HP) Objective

  • Priority health problem diagnosis: Nutrition and weight status
  • HP Objective Number: NWS-10
  • HP Objective: Reduce the proportion of adults who are obese.

11. Summary of Learning

Completing this windshield survey helped me realize the extent of obesity in my community. Many individuals in the area are overweight, which could be due to the limited number of affordable healthy food options. While there are some healthy restaurants, fast food is more accessible and budget-friendly. The presence of a nearby gym offers an option for physical activity, though time constraints or fatigue may limit participation.

References

Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2019). Community/Public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier.

NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2018). Healthy People 2020 objectives. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/