NR 443 Milestone 1
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-443 RN Community Health Nursing
Prof. Name
Date
NR443 Windshield Survey Form
Your Name:
Date: January 15, 2017
1. Introduction of Community (20 points)
Identify the city and state of your community and briefly describe the community you will be using for this assignment. It should be the area where you live or the area surrounding your work setting but must include a residential area. Demographic data are not needed.
I have been professionally active in Baltimore, Maryland, for over 12 years, gaining significant familiarity with the community’s dynamics. Baltimore is divided into two primary regions—Baltimore County and Baltimore City. For this assessment, I have chosen Baltimore County, specifically the Woodlawn neighborhood, as it offers a representative sample of both residential and commercial activity.
Woodlawn has a population of approximately 37,879 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). This suburban area houses major federal institutions, including the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Its population is ethnically diverse, with notable representation from White, Black, and Hispanic communities. In public health practice, an effective community health nurse must adopt a population-focused approach, addressing health needs collectively rather than on an individual basis.
2. Windshield Survey (75 points)
a. Vitality
Use a majority of the questions from Box 6-2 in your text to describe your observations about the community vitality.
During the windshield survey, I observed small, partially transparent public transportation shelters strategically placed along major streets. Public transportation appears to be a primary mode of travel for many residents, supplemented by a noticeable number of private vehicles and taxis. Pedestrian activity was high, with individuals engaging in varied activities such as shopping at convenience stores, dining in fast food establishments, or socializing in parking lots.
The community displayed diversity in age groups and ethnic backgrounds, predominantly Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. Notably, there was a significant prevalence of overweight and obese individuals across all age ranges. Attire varied widely, with some residents appearing well-groomed and others exhibiting disheveled appearances. Pregnant women and parents with young children were visible. A concerning observation was a group of young women outside a WIC office, one of whom appeared to be dozing while standing—possibly due to substance use.
b. Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions
Use a majority of the questions from Box 6-2 in your text to describe your observations about the social and economic conditions.
Commercial establishments in Woodlawn included beauty supply shops, multiple fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and childcare facilities. Housing ranged from older single-family homes to new developments. Some houses still displayed outdated holiday decorations, and litter was present on streets despite accessible trash receptacles.
One newly built housing area was located near a high school, contrasting sharply with several dilapidated homes further down the road. Political campaign signs from the Clinton/Kaine presidential campaign and local mayoral races were still posted, suggesting a historically Democratic voter base.
NR 443 Milestone 1
| Category | Observations |
|---|---|
| Businesses | Beauty supply shops, grocery stores, banks, fast-food outlets |
| Housing | Mixture of new and old homes; some dilapidated |
| Cleanliness | Noticeable litter despite available trash cans |
| Political Climate | Predominantly Democratic signage still displayed |
c. Health Resources
Use a majority of the questions from Box 6-2 in your text to describe your observations about the health resources.
Health services are relatively accessible in Woodlawn. The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) operates an ancillary center that provides primary, secondary, and tertiary care, as well as dental services. Other nearby resources include a methadone treatment clinic, WIC office, dental clinics, a fitness center, a major pharmacy (Walgreens), and a large grocery store (Giant). These facilities provide a range of preventive, treatment, and support services for community members.
d. Environmental Conditions Related to Health
Use a majority of the questions from Box 6-2 in your text to describe your observations about the environmental conditions.
Many of the buildings in Woodlawn are older, which could increase the risk of lead exposure. Streets and sidewalks were frequently littered, and certain areas emitted strong odors of urine. While sidewalks were wheelchair accessible and marked handicap parking spaces were present, the condition of many homes suggested structural disrepair, with windows covered by cloth or wooden boards. Such conditions, combined with visible debris, likely contribute to pest infestations such as rodents and mosquitoes.
e. Social Functioning
Use a majority of the questions from Box 6-2 in your text to describe your observations about the social functioning.
The community contains a variety of religious institutions, including Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, and Catholic churches, along with several independent Christian congregations. However, no synagogues or mosques were identified during the survey. Religious institutions appear to play a central role in community life and gatherings.
f. Attitude Toward Healthcare
Use a majority of the questions from Box 6-2 in your text to describe your observations about the attitudes toward healthcare.
The community demonstrates some proactive health engagement. Outside the UMMS building, a banner promoted a free weight-reduction program, and brochures on weight loss were visible in the window. WIC services promote nutritional health among women and children. Local pharmacies and hospitals advertised free flu shots, and signs for free HIV testing were posted. Additionally, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings were promoted at a local Catholic church, suggesting some openness toward addressing substance abuse.
3. Vulnerable Population (20 points)
Describe a vulnerable population or aggregate that you identified during your survey. What did you observe about this group such as their appearance and actions?
A notable vulnerable group in Woodlawn includes young adults who were visibly idle during school hours, indicating potential school dropout status. This group is at higher risk for unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and substance abuse. Absence from school also limits exposure to formal sex education and health awareness programs.
Additionally, the aging infrastructure of many residential buildings increases risk for lead exposure, particularly among children. Overweight and obesity rates appeared disproportionately high among Black and Hispanic populations, placing them at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
4. Conclusion
Provide a summary of your findings. Describe several potential community health problems for the vulnerable population that you identified.
The windshield survey identified several pressing community health concerns in Woodlawn. The most significant issue observed was obesity, which aligns with CDC findings that nearly half of Baltimore’s combined adult and child population is obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). This condition increases susceptibility to chronic illnesses such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hyperlipidemia.
For the identified vulnerable population—particularly school-aged youth outside of school hours—risks include substance use, unintended pregnancies, and limited access to preventive health education. Environmental hazards, such as potential lead exposure and poor sanitation, further exacerbate health disparities. Addressing these issues requires targeted public health interventions focusing on nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse prevention, and housing quality improvement.
5. References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity
NR 443 Milestone 1
U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). Quick facts: Woodlawn, Baltimore County, Maryland. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/2486475,24005,00