There are a plethora of factors that play a role in the health of different populations. In public health, we are taking a more broad view rather than just looking at the patient in front of you. Some examples of these influential factors include where they live, accessibility to health care or even healthy food, employment opportunities, safety, education and so much more. When looking at public health, we need to take into account the individual and where they come from. As the nurse, we want to inquire about their beliefs, religion, what their relationships are like, cultural views, what home life is like, marital and economic status. Some religions and cultures have their own practices that could guide patients’ care and what they are and are not willing to do or participate in. In addition, finding out where they live will give us an idea of their economic status which will guide our reasoning as to a possibility as to why they are eating fast food and takeout. Determining the safety of their neighborhood and town, will tell us if they are at an increased risk for trauma or violence or lack of exercise due to unsafe parks or unable to go on walks/runs. Knowing if they are married, have children and work could explain for example why they are unable to work much if they are an only parent and have young children. Also, these are factors that could be contributing to stress, lack of sleep and therefore poor health. 

Some ideas to help these vulnerable and marginalized populations include education and information on services available to them. Keeping in touch and doing check in’s to make sure things are going well and if they need anything else to help them reach their goals. Most importantly, advocating for these patients. Helping them to have a voice in bettering themselves and their life circumstances that they did not choose to be put into. However, we need to remember that making our patients feel comfortable and not judged is key to getting information from them. By knowing a little bit about their life outside of the hospital, we can understand their situation and why they are in the position that they are without jumping to assumptions. Being more familiar with this topic, I can now better incorporate it into my practice. Public health nursing is a part of all nursing so no matter where I end up, I will be using the skills and information learned to guide my care.