Population and Global Health Practicum _ Simulation Reflections_Zoe Raine

1. Noticing: Provide some background information about what you will discuss here? What did you
observe? What did you see & hear? Were your expectations met or not met?

The poverty, disaster preparedness and COVID-19 community response simulations will be

reflected upon and discussed. I observed that these simulations were very involved and required

me to think outside of my normal “box”. The faculty tried to make these as dimensional as

possible, in terms of making a virtual simulation like real life. I heard about the struggles of

poverty and how a family copes with job loss. I saw how a community must come together to

make the most after a disaster and to serve each other to the best they can with what they have

left. I learned about contact tracing in COVID patients and how to conduct an informative

interview over the phone. I did not know what to expect when entering this course, but I hoped to

learn a lot about how my nursing position could aid in a population-based aspect. I did not expect

to feel so overwhelmed when trying to decide how to budget my money when struggling with

poverty. I did not realize how many important factors I left out of my disaster preparedness plan

until after we discussed it. I did not recognize how little health literacy many people have and

how difficult/stressful finding factual and real time information about COVID has been for some.

I thought these simulations were worth the time. Although, I would have much rather gotten

these perspectives and education experiences in person the faculty did their best to make these

realistic.

2. Interpreting: How do your values and experiences take shape after your simulation experience(s)?
What problems did you see? What assets/solutions to the problems did you witness?
Population and Global Health Practicum _ Simulation Reflections_Zoe Raine

My values were strengthened through this course. I have had a lot of experience and

education about homelessness but not so much about poverty in general. It may be a little easier

to see the struggles of a homeless person as they are out in the open. It is more difficult to see

how someone struggles when they are behind the doors of the home they may rent. It is difficult

to navigate the websites to find information on resources to help families and individuals

struggling with poverty. The videos linked to the poverty simulation were very moving and

motivated me to work towards solutions. I volunteer a lot but it was quite informative to act as if

I was living in poverty. To see through this perspective really revealed just how difficult it is and

how much sacrifice is made choosing one thing over the other. I feel that most people do not

think much about healthcare or insurance until they are sick and needing the care and coverage.

When making my budget I left little for healthcare because food, working, child care and

transportation seemed more important in the short term. This is why organizations like Crossover

Health Ministry or Health Brigade, to name a couple, are so important for this population.

Healthcare should not just be accessible to those who can pay for it. At some point in life, more

times for some, people need health care and they shouldn’t be kept from it because they cannot

pay.

A few of my values are equality and honesty. As I understand that all may not be fully equal

in terms of an economic state, all should be able to provide themselves with basic necessities and

needs. The system is broken and it only affect those who already suffer. Yes, there are food

stamps, a poverty line, government housing, etc. but are these realistic to help all of those in

need?

3. Responding: What did you learn about the needs of these vulnerable populations ie: poverty,
disaster preparedness and COVID-19 community responses?
Population and Global Health Practicum _ Simulation Reflections_Zoe Raine

I was reminded that anyone is susceptible to change. Things can change in a moments time

and security can be stripped away. It is important to be prepared at all times so if the unfortunate

is to occur, one can survive for a time being until they get back on their feet. I would not

consider myself vulnerable but COVID has made everyone vulnerable. My boyfriend was

experiencing symptoms and may have been exposed. We were planning on going on vacation so

I did not restock groceries. We ended up quarantining a week waiting to take a test and get

results. We had to order food delivered and luckily we have the funds to feed ourselves. What

would we have done had we not? It helped put in perspective how difficult things are for others

who are not as lucky.

I learned how much of a disadvantage poverty poses to those in life, in times of disaster, and

in a pandemic. I was reminded of the stereotypes and biases people hold and how harmful these

can be to vulnerable populations. There seem to be plenty of resources out there but they are so

difficult to navigate. If so many people are willing to donate, create, and run organization to aid

in poverty and disaster then they need to make them more accessible. For example, my COVID

scenario patient needed initial information and guidance but later one may need help feeding her

family because she lost her job. It would be helpful to have all of this information in one place or

at least with a link to reputable and reliable organizations that could help her provide food or

funds.

These simulations have helped me find a perspective where I think of vulnerable populations

a lot more. I intend to learn more on these topics as I continue my education and into my nursing

career.

4. Reflecting: How did this simulation experience influence your interactions with vulnerable
populations as a future registered nurse?
Population and Global Health Practicum _ Simulation Reflections_Zoe Raine

I was reminded just how important it is to be non-bias and non-judgmental. It’s necessary to

think about all the reasons why before making an assumption or asking questions that could be

offensive or hurtful. Knowing resources to share with patients who are struggling with food,

housing, disease, abuse, etc. is part of the nursing job. We want to promote health and healthy

lifestyle choices. We must promote education in these populations and encourage politics to

looks after them. I want to support those who are vulnerable as a member of society BEFORE

they need me as a nurse because they have suffered so much they are now sick. The health care

system is vast and there are many intelligent, qualified, determined individuals within that

system. If these individuals work together I think change can be pushed upon the political forces.

I feel a responsibility in times a disaster or pandemic that I may not feel if I were not on a

path to nursing. As I work in the hospitalized setting I must be far more careful about exposure

as I could put those who are already immunocompromised at risk. In my career I hope to spend

time either working or volunteering my time in to aid vulnerable populations. I want to take the

responsibility as an individual and encourage others to do the same so our forces combined are

stronger.

I will look up the policies and procedures regarding disasters for my place of work and make

sure I am prepared in case of emergency. I want to ensure my workplace has a plan in place if

disaster were to strike. I am grateful that St. Mary’s has been able to provide masks for all

visitors and masks and face shields for all employees. I wonder if the city of Richmond has a

plan for disaster and what edifice the would use to shelter those in need.