Blog One: Social Determinants of Health as an Advanced Practice Nurse

How Might Knowledge Regarding Social Determinants of Health Influence Practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse?

Let's look at some social determinants of health and how someone could provide resources as an advanced practice nurse:

• Income💲
• Ensure patients have applied for disability or unemployment if applicable. Discuss interest in employment and how that can look different for different people. If the patient is older ensure the patient is receiving social security income.
• Employment status📃
• Offer job fair and staffing agency resources. Discuss jobs of interest.
• Access to food🍎
• Provide information for food pantries and meals on wheels.
• Access to housing🏠
• Set the patient up with a social worker who can help the patient apply for housing resources, as well as provide resources for homeless shelters.
• Access to health care🩺
• If the patient has government funded insurance, see if there are transportation options included. Schedule future appointments that are at a time easily accessible to the patient.

(World Health Organization, 2024)

References

World Health Organization. (2024). Social Determinants of Health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1