St. Thomas University (Florida) — Bachelor of Science in Nursing

NUR 342: Community and Population Health Nursing

Assessment 2 (2025–2026): Community Health Needs Assessment and Intervention Plan

Institutional context. St. Thomas University’s nursing curriculum emphasizes service, ethics, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-informed clinical judgment. This assessment aligns with program outcomes related to population health, health equity, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement within South Florida’s diverse settings.

Assessment Overview

Students conduct a focused Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for a defined population served by a real or plausible South Florida community organization. The paper synthesizes epidemiological data, social determinants of health, and nursing-led interventions grounded in current evidence and professional standards.

Length. 1,500–2,000 words (6–8 pages), excluding title page and references
Weight. 25% of course grade
Submission. LMS upload; APA 7th edition formatting

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Analyze population-level health data to identify priority health needs.
• Evaluate social determinants influencing health outcomes in diverse communities.
• Design nursing interventions that are ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-based.
• Demonstrate scholarly writing and accurate citation practices.

Assignment Instructions

I. Community Profile

1. Identify the community or population (geographic, demographic, or interest-based).
2. Describe location, size, cultural composition, and key community assets.
3. Summarize relevant local or state health data.

II. Health Needs Assessment

1. Identify two to three priority health concerns supported by data.
2. Analyze contributing social determinants of health.
3. Discuss health disparities affecting the population.

III. Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions

1. Propose one primary and one secondary prevention strategy.
2. Justify interventions using peer-reviewed literature.
3. Address cultural, ethical, and resource considerations.

IV. Implementation and Evaluation

1. Outline implementation steps and required partnerships.
2. Identify measurable outcomes and evaluation methods.

V. Reflection on Professional Nursing Role

1. Explain how the proposed plan reflects the role of the BSN-prepared nurse.
2. Connect the work to STU’s mission of service and ethical leadership.

Formatting and Submission Requirements

• APA 7th edition; double-spaced; 12-point Times New Roman.
• Minimum of eight scholarly sources published 2018–2025.
• Include a title page and reference list.
• Original work; similarity reports reviewed.

Grading Rubric

• Community analysis and data use (25%)
• Depth of needs assessment (25%)
• Quality and feasibility of interventions (25%)
• Scholarly writing and APA accuracy (15%)
• Professional reflection and alignment with course outcomes (10%)

The selected community shows elevated rates of uncontrolled hypertension compared with county benchmarks, reflecting limited access to preventive services and food insecurity. Census and Florida Department of Health data indicate that transportation barriers and low health literacy intensify these outcomes. A nurse-led blood pressure screening and education program, delivered through a trusted faith-based organization, addresses these gaps while respecting cultural norms. Evaluation focuses on screening uptake and short-term blood pressure control over a twelve-week period.

Peer-Reviewed References

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021) The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. Available at: https://www.aacnnursing.org/essentials
• Bekemeier, B. and Butterfield, P. (2019) ‘Unreconciled differences between population health goals and community health nursing practice’, Public Health Nursing, 36(4), pp. 492–499. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/phn.12601
• Hacker, K., Briss, P., Richardson, L., Wright, J. and Petersen, R. (2021) ‘COVID-19 and chronic disease’, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 61(4), pp. 513–520. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2021.05.005
• Williams, S.D., Phillips, J.M. and Koyama, K. (2018) ‘Nurse advocacy: Adopting a health in all policies approach’, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(3). Available at: https://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-23-2018/No3-Sept-2018/Articles-Previous-Topics/Health-in-All-Policies.html