New Life Wellness Clinic for the Homeless Community

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Concentration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

"Purpose/Aims: The overall purpose of this project is to improve the effectiveness of an existing nursing clinic that serves the homeless community in the Seattle metropolitan area. The specific aims are to: (1) Conduct a literature review to critically analyze unique health care needs and experiences of the homeless, and to 2) review best practice for foot care; (3) Describe and analyze clinic services in regards to safety, efficiency, effectiveness of delivery, as well as address dignity and psychosocial aspects of care; and (4) Create a handbook for volunteers to safely administer care, and provide community referrals, as well and for clients to perform self-care. Background/Problem: An annual point estimate of homeless persons in King County, Washington, at the One Night Count January 2010 was 8,937 individuals. In Seattle, there are not enough shelters or services to accommodate the homeless population. Since 1999, the Seattle First Presbyterian Church has operated a weekly shelter for 50 men. Since 2009, it has also supported a volunteer nursing clinic during evening hours at the shelter. Using donated supplies, volunteer nurses and nursing students provide foot care, health assessments, and wound care, and also distribute basic over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Based on the author's two years of experiences at this clinic, the services provided by volunteer nurses are essential to teaching preventative care and they encourage patients to voice concerns to ease their mental stress about health issues. In this manner small health concerns are addressed before they become chronic health problems. Clients vote with their feet for these services, and many return every week. Significance: The men served by the clinic will benefit from the critical analysis of existing needs and services. This project is designed to create improved resources for volunteers as well as to improve care through evidence-based practice guidelines. By focusing on wellness, hygiene, and education, the overall goal of the clinic is to improve health outcomes for a target group of homeless individuals. The results of this project can serve as a guide for others to replicate the care model in other facilities for the homeless."

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