Community Assessment / Practicum Based Capstone

Community Assessment / Practicum-Based Capstone Project Purpose The purpose of this capstone project is to synthesize course concepts through a comprehensive, applied community health assessment and intervention plan. Students will integrate epidemiologic data, community observation, cultural and ethical analysis, and evidence-based nursing strategies to address population health needs within a selected community. Capstone Components (Scaffolded Across Modules) Component Module Description Community Selection & Data Profile Module 2 Selection of a defined community (geographic or population-based) and compilation of demographic, epidemiologic, and health indicator data using credible sources (e.g., census data, public health reports). Vulnerable Population Analysis Module 3 Identification and analysis of one vulnerable or at-risk population within the selected community, including social determinants of health and health disparities. Cultural and Ethical Considerations Module 4 Examination of cultural norms, values, beliefs, and ethical issues influencing health behaviors, access to care, and nursing interventions in the community. Intervention Design Module 5 Development of an evidence-based, population-focused nursing intervention addressing an identified community health need. Windshield Survey (Community Observation) Module 5 Completion of a structured windshield survey involving direct observation of the community (in person or virtual). Students assess physical environment, housing, resources, transportation, safety, and indicators of health and wellness to inform intervention planning. Environmental and Global Factors Module 6 Analysis of environmental, occupational, or global factors influencing community health outcomes (e.g., pollution, climate, food access, infectious disease trends). Final Integration and Professional Reflection Module 7 Synthesis of all assessment components, evaluation of nursing leadership and collaboration strategies, and reflection on professional growth and community health nursing practice. Windshield Survey Requirement As part of the community assessment, students are required to complete a Windshield Survey, which involves systematic observation of the selected community while driving through, walking through, or virtually exploring the area (e.g., Google Street View if in-person access is not feasible). Windshield Survey Focus Areas Students should observe and document: Housing quality and density Availability of health care facilities and community services Food access (grocery stores, food deserts, fast-food prevalence) Transportation systems and walkability Environmental conditions (cleanliness, pollution, green spaces) Safety indicators (lighting, traffic patterns, visible law enforcement) Signs of community engagement or neglect Findings from the windshield survey must be integrated into the community overview, assessment, and intervention rationale rather than submitted as a standalone checklist. Final Deliverable Community Health Assessment & Intervention Plan Length: 810 pages (excluding title page and references) Format: APA 7th edition Required Sections 1. Community Overview o Geographic boundaries and population description o Summary of windshield survey observations 2. Epidemiologic and Demographic Analysis o Key health indicators and trends o Relevant population-level data 3. Vulnerable Population Assessment o Identification of a vulnerable group o Health risks and contributing social determinants 4. Cultural and Ethical Considerations o Cultural influences on health behaviors o Ethical issues impacting care delivery 5. Proposed Intervention o Evidence-based, population-focused nursing intervention o Integration of data and windshield survey findings 6. Leadership and Collaboration Strategies o Role of the nurse as leader, advocate, and collaborator o Interprofessional and community partnerships 7. Evaluation Metrics o Outcome measures and indicators of intervention effectiveness 8. Professional Reflection o Reflection on learning, professional growth, and application to nursing practice