NURS-4210M Week 2: Practicum – Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health – Group C

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Practicum Discussion – How to Approach It

Questions (As Given)

  1. Describe the specific health problem and population you have selected.

  2. What data did you find to support your decision? Refine and clarify the problem and population.

  3. What useful health data and public health websites did you locate to support your position?

  4. What other evidence did you find? You can include scholarly articles in this discussion.

How to Approach It

Step 1 – Define Your Population and Problem

  • Clearly identify the vulnerable population you are focusing on (e.g., adolescents at risk for obesity, older adults at risk for falls, low-income pregnant women).

  • Specify the health problem in measurable terms (e.g., high BMI, frequent fall incidents, low prenatal care attendance).

  • Explain why this population is at risk and why the health problem is significant.

Step 2 – Gather Data to Support Your Problem

  • Search for local, state, and national data related to your population and health problem.

  • Examples of data include epidemiologic statistics, vital statistics, reproductive outcomes, causes of death, socioeconomic factors, quality of life, or access to care.

  • Compare trends across different levels (local vs. state vs. national) to show the scope of the problem.

Step 3 – Identify Reliable Sources

  • Use scholarly articles to support your discussion and provide evidence-based perspectives.

  • Utilize public health websites such as:

    • CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

    • Healthy People 2030

    • Local or state health department websites

    • WHO (World Health Organization)

Step 4 – Synthesize and Refine Your Problem

  • Analyze the data you found to refine your population and health problem.

  • Explain patterns, disparities, or gaps that indicate why this problem needs to be addressed.

  • Highlight how primary prevention strategies could be applied to help the population avoid developing the problem in the first place.

Sample Solution

Tobacco use is a national crisis that affects everyone in some way during their lifetime.  Whether you smoke, someone you know smokes or you are subjected to secondhand smoke, there are major health issues related to the inhalation or ingestion of nicotine containing products.  Just as smoking, vaping, and dipping affects us all, it can begin at a very young age.  This is why preventative measures should begin at as young as 12 years old.…..Click below to access the full sample solution (PDF)