NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey

Directions: Follow the Community Windshield Survey Guidelines and grading rubric in the NR443/435/436 course. Use the form below to document your observations. This form must be submitted as part of the assignment.

To complete the survey, drive or walk through your community several times, making careful observations of the environment, residents, and available resources.

Name:
Date: March 16, 2018

Community Description

• Name of city or town and state: Bronx, NY

• Name of street or road in this community: Eastchester Road

• Nature of the community (rural, suburban, urban): Urban

Brief description of the community:
The Bronx community along Eastchester Road is distinctly urban, with a fast-paced and noisy atmosphere. The area is characterized by healthcare facilities, hospitals, grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, schools, and other businesses. Streets remain consistently busy with both pedestrians and vehicles. Accessibility is enhanced by nearby bus stops and a train station, making transportation convenient for residents. The population density is high, and the overall environment reflects a diverse and vibrant city setting.

Community Vitality

Questionnaire Table:

Observations:

• Age range: Individuals ranged from infants to seniors (70–80 years).

• General appearance: Most community members appeared overweight or obese, with a few maintaining average body sizes.

• Dress style: Residents were neatly dressed, often in work attire or medical scrubs due to nearby healthcare facilities. Others wore seasonal clothing appropriate for cold weather.

• Activity observed: Groups were frequently seen walking to food outlets during lunch breaks, waiting at bus stops, or commuting. Vehicular congestion was significant, with constant honking and traffic buildup.

Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions

Questionnaire Table:

Observations:
Housing in the Bronx area consisted primarily of apartment complexes, with some luxury housing units occupied by healthcare professionals. Most properties were well-maintained, with clean streets and managed lawns. Residents primarily used cars, buses, trains, and taxis, although one individual was observed riding a bicycle. Local job opportunities centered around healthcare and food service industries. Educational institutions included an elementary school and a college, though daycare facilities were not noted.

Health Resources

Observations:
The Bronx community offers an extensive range of healthcare resources, from hospitals and community clinics to mental health services. These facilities are within close reach for residents, minimizing the need for long-distance travel. Access to diverse medical services indicates that healthcare needs are being largely addressed, though the absence of public health offices and shelters may limit certain community support options.

Environmental Conditions Related to Health

Social Functioning

Observations:
No immediate places of worship were found along Eastchester Road, although a nearby church was located in an adjacent neighborhood. Social interactions were positive, with people casually conversing as they walked, primarily within the 20–50 age group. Children were not observed playing outside, possibly due to safety concerns or lack of playground space. The community reflected strong ethnic diversity, with a significant Hispanic population.

Attitudes Toward Health and Healthcare

Aggregates or Vulnerable Populations Observed

Vulnerable populations: Infants, children, pregnant women, seniors, adolescents, and disadvantaged ethnic groups.

Detailed observation: A young Hispanic woman, approximately 20–25 years old, was observed pushing a stroller with a toddler. Both appeared well-dressed, healthy, and in good spirits, which indicates that while vulnerabilities exist, some individuals have adequate support and resources.

Health Problems and Behaviors Observed

• Positive health behaviors: A male resident was riding a bicycle, suggesting the adoption of exercise and eco-friendly commuting.

• Unhealthy behaviors: Smoking was prevalent, including among healthcare workers.

• Health issues noted: High obesity rates were observed, potentially influenced by the abundance of fast-food restaurants and limited affordable healthy food options.

Health Problem and Healthy People (HP) Objective

• Priority health problem diagnosis: Nutrition and weight status

• HP Objective Number: NWS-10

• HP Objective: Reduce the proportion of adults who are obese.

Summary of Learning

Conducting this windshield survey highlighted obesity as a major health issue within the Bronx community. A large proportion of residents are overweight, likely due to the dominance of fast-food outlets and the limited accessibility of affordable nutritious foods. While gyms and recreational centers are present, factors such as time constraints, financial limitations, or cultural food preferences may hinder consistent use. The community demonstrates strong healthcare availability, but lifestyle habits and environmental influences play a significant role in shaping health outcomes.

References

Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2019). Community/Public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2018). Healthy People 2020 objectives. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/