Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerability is described as the extent to which an individual or a group of people cannot foresee, deal with, fight, and recover from the effects of a disaster. The healthcare situation among such people is worsened by social factors along with risk factors such as poor access to health care and high morbidity and mortality rates. An example of a vulnerable group is people suffering from chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, blood pressure and cancer, and the disabled (Joszt, 2018). Chronically ill people generally have poor health outcomes with more poor health days than the rest of the population as their diseases are long-term, with only a small proportion getting cured. On the other hand, the disabled experience difficulties while accessing healthcare, with many facilities lacking disabled-friendly services. Other vulnerable populations include the homeless, low-income populations, people living in particular geographic locations, and minority ethnic groups.
These vulnerable groups are unable to advocate for themselves due to factors such as poverty, inequalities, and theories of social justice surrounding them. It is, therefore, up to nurses to advocate for these populations to receive adequate consideration and assistance in health care. By doing so, nurses address the contributing social determinants of health-promoting a healthier and longer life. Also, the nurses‘ code of ethics reinforces their advocating for vulnerable groups as they are required to defend human rights, further health diplomacy, and decrease health disparities in their line of work. Also, the code requires nurses to advocate for equal treatment for all vulnerable persons regardless of sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic position, or immigration standing (Carlson, 2020). Further, the nursing profession is focused on satisfying all the needs of the poor and disadvantaged in society, including social, emotional, and physical needs.
References
Carlson, K. (2020). Nurses and Vulnerable Populations: Ethics and Social Justice. Nurses USA.
Joszt, L. (2018). 5 Vulnerable Populations in Healthcare. AJMC.