Nursing Interventions (Essay Sample)

Nursing interventions are population-based measures undertaken focusing on populations with similar characteristics or same health issues. However, such measures are not only undertaken to cover those who are vulnerable but planned to cover the entire population who share similar characteristics. For example, it is the work of public health officials to ensure all children are immunized against preventable diseases. When such an exercise is carried out, it will not only cover children from poor backgrounds but the whole population of children in the targeted area regardless of the resources available .These health intervention measures are undertaken in schools, clinics, and jails (Merzel et al, 2003).
Before undertaking any population-based interventions, the health of the target population is established first. This is done through a community health analysis process. An analysis of the risk factors, establishing priorities, assets within the community, preventive measures, establishing priorities and evaluating public health programs have to be undertaken. This assessment is important because the interventions carried out are community based. Therefore needs of the community are brought on board for any success to be realized. As such, the health status and health needs of a community forms the core of any intervention measures to counter emerging problems and respond to new opportunities (Linda et al, 2001).
Successful population based interventions consider every level of prevention starting with primary prevention as the most important level. The other two levels are secondary prevention and tertiary prevention. Prevention aims at minimizing the effects of an event to sustainable levels. To ensure health and protection against health related threats, primary prevention is the most effective. This intervention measure is taken before a problem occurs. It reduces exposure risks and promotes protection and resiliency. Some primary prevention measures include youth awareness programs against sexually transmitted infections or immunization of children against preventable illnesses (Cullen et al, 2006).
Secondary prevention is used to approach problems during the initial stages and treat them. This minimizes long term effects or spreading to other sections of the population. At this stage, the problem is already there but symptoms have not yet developed. Such measures include home safety screening.
The third measure, which is tertiary prevention, limits a problem from getting worse. It is undertaken after a health problem has occurred such as a disease or injury. This approach restores the victim to the best level of functioning. A good example of a tertiary approach is regular assessment of diabetic patients to ensure they do not lose sight (Kettel, 2009).
Community based nursing interventions also applies measures at all levels of practice. this approach focuses on community, systems and individuals. Community focused practice addresses norms, cultures, beliefs and practices with a view on changing them. This practice is mostly applied on whole populations or affected population within the whole (Goodman, 2008).
Systems focused practice changes the health organization system. Changes are effected throu...