Discussion – Christian Perspective World Changer Strategies
Christian Perspective on Poverty and Vulnerability
Notably, the two interviews with Dr. D’Andrea and Winnie closely reveal the biblical view of poverty and vulnerability. The Old Testament is full of passages that speak of God’s special concern for the poor and the oppressed, and indeed, this is a prevailing theme in the New Testament as well, where people of faith are exhorted to be compassionate and to do something that would help these suffering ones (New International Version, 2011, Prov. 14:31; Matt. 25:35-40). This is compounded by the fact that Dr. D’Andrea has an ambitious treatment model dealing with substance addiction, which, due to the many causes, requires comprehensive treatment. Winnie’s story—struggling through the fetters of addiction as a college student—depicts a vulnerability to begin the substance use process, thereby entailing biblical themes such as human frailty and the need for communal support in times of distress, as captured in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (New International Version, 2011).
The Christian worldview also has a view on the value of each human person, which is based on the fact that man is made in the image of God (New International Version, 2011, Gen. 1:27). This is in line with Dr. D’Andrea’s no-blame approach and Winnie who seeks to have little or no stigmatization of the disease. Just as Jesus showed compassion to the marginalized individuals in society, the interviews highlight the importance of treating those struggling with addiction with respect and understanding (School of Nursing, n.d.).
World Changing Impact
The interviews revealed several world-changing impacts. Noteworthy, Dr. D’Andrea’s integrated approach to treatment, combining individual therapy, group support, and medication when needed, demonstrates how comprehensive care can lead to more effective outcomes. Her emphasis on collaboration between mental health providers, social workers, and medical professionals showcases the power of interdisciplinary efforts in addressing complex issues like addiction (Flaubert et al., 2021).
Further, Winnie’s story highlights the transformative impact of support systems and healthy coping mechanisms in overcoming addiction. Her journey from struggling student to advocate for addiction resources on campus exemplifies how personal experiences can drive positive change in communities. Both interviews underscore the importance of education and outreach in reducing stigma and increasing access to treatment, which can have far-reaching effects on public health and social attitudes.
Strategies for Local Impact
Two strategies that could impact change for vulnerable individuals in Randall County, Amarillo, Texas, include implementing a community-based substance abuse prevention and early intervention program targeting youth and young adults. This could involve partnerships between schools, local healthcare providers, and community organizations to provide education, screenings, and easily accessible support services. Additionally, developing a transitional housing program for individuals recovering from substance abuse, particularly those recently released from the county jail, could offer stable housing, job training, and ongoing support services to reduce recidivism and support long-term recovery (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2022).
Ethical Principles Affecting Poverty and Vulnerability
Three ethical principles that affect issues of poverty and vulnerability in this population are autonomy, justice, and beneficence. Autonomy involves respecting individuals’ right to make informed decisions about their treatment and recovery while balancing this with the need for intervention in cases of severe addiction. Next, justice ensures equitable access to treatment and support services, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. Lastly, beneficence requires acting in the best interest of vulnerable individuals, which may sometimes conflict with their immediate desires, especially in cases of active addiction.
Nursing Interventions and Effectiveness
As an Emergency Room nurse at the county jail, numerous nursing interventions can be performed related to public policies and ethical principles affecting this vulnerable population. Beneficence is addressed in intake health screenings that identify health needs early to institute appropriate care. Initiating medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for eligible inmates diagnosed with opioid-use disorders coincides with public policies promoting evidence-based addiction treatment in correctional settings. Discharge planning and linking with community resources can further justice because they will create a system through which there will be continuity of care and access to resources post-release (Jenkins et al., 2022).
Such interventions can be gauged as successful, noted by the drop in the jail setting of withdrawal-related medical emergencies, more individuals during incarceration who participate in treatment programs, and reduced recidivism and overdose rates post-release of individuals who received comprehensive care and discharge planning. These interventions are instrumental in the correctional setting and may aid nurses in playing a necessary role in helping address the complex needs of vulnerable populations struggling with addiction. It serves the purpose of fulfilling both Christian ideals of compassion and service and evidence-based practices in health toward changing society by potentially breaking cycles of addiction and incarceration (School of Nursing, n.d.).
In summary, the Christian view on poverty and vulnerability gives a strong foundation for addressing the challenges that exist for those struggling with addiction. The world-changing impact noticed through the interviews points to comprehensive, compassionate care and community support. Applying appropriate and ethical strategies with proper nursing interventions can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable populations in Randall County and beyond. This reflects not only Christian values but also broader goals for reducing addiction, improving public health, and enhancing inclusiveness in society.
References
Flaubert, J. L., Menestrel, S. L., Williams, D. R., & Wakefield, M. K. (2021, May 11). Supporting the health and professional well-being of nurses. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573902/
Jenkins, E., Currie, L. M., Hirani, S., Garrod, E., Goodyear, T., McGuinness, L., David, A., & Bonnie, K. (2022). Enhancing nurses’ capacity to provide concurrent mental health and substance use disorder care: A quasi-experimental intervention study. Nurse Education Today, 117(117), 105483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105483
School of Nursing. (n.d.). World changer outcomes. Indiana Wesleyan University.
Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2022). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community (10th ed.). Elsevier.
The Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV). (2011). Biblica, Inc. (Original work published 1973).
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Question
Instructions
Review the appropriate rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
Review the World Changers Outcomes(Word document) document.
Christian Perspective World Changer Strategies
Use citation: (School of Nursing, n.d.).
Use reference: School of Nursing. (n.d.). World changer outcomes. Indiana Wesleyan University. [NOTE: To obtain the URL address for this APA reference, right click on the “World Changers Outcomes” link in step 2 above and copy the URL address.]
Review Biblical Wisdom scriptures and additional scriptures for each of the workshops
Search for other scriptures related to poverty and vulnerability
Prepare to discuss the following prompts:
Describe the correlation between the biblical/Christian perspective of poverty and vulnerability, and the subjects/findings of your interviews.
Discuss the world changing impact observed through your interviews.
Share a minimum of two strategies you can implement that would impact change for vulnerable and/or impoverished individuals in your local community.
Discuss a minimum of three ethical principles that affect the issues of poverty and vulnerability for this population.
Identify nursing interventions you currently have or that you plan to implement in your work setting that relate to these public policies as well as ethical principles that affect this population. Discuss the effectiveness of these interventions.